pindaric ode: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary / Academic
Quick answer
What does “pindaric ode” mean?
A formal, elaborate lyrical poem, modelled on the works of the ancient Greek poet Pindar, characterized by a complex, irregular metrical structure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal, elaborate lyrical poem, modelled on the works of the ancient Greek poet Pindar, characterized by a complex, irregular metrical structure.
Any poem imitating Pindar's style of lofty tone, grand themes (such as victory, gods, or heroes), and a triadic structure of strophe, antistrophe, and epode.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or definition between British and American English.
Connotations
Both varieties share connotations of high literary art, classical tradition, and complexity.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “pindaric ode” in a Sentence
The Pindaric ode (to + [hero/deity])A Pindaric ode (celebrating + [event/victory])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pindaric ode” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The poet sought to Pindarise the athletic triumph.
- (Note: 'Pindarise' is a rare, chiefly British verb form.)
American English
- The poet attempted to write in a Pindaric style.
adverb
British English
- He wrote Pindarically, with great formal ambition.
American English
- The poem was composed in a loosely Pindaric manner.
adjective
British English
- His verse had a distinctly Pindaric flavour.
American English
- She adopted a Pindaric mode for her commemorative piece.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literature, classics, and poetry studies to categorize and analyze a specific poetic form.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used by those with specific literary knowledge.
Technical
A precise literary term with a defined historical and formal meaning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pindaric ode”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pindaric ode”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pindaric ode”
- Confusing it with a Horatian ode (more regular, meditative).
- Using it to refer to any long poem.
- Mispronouncing 'Pindaric' with stress on the first syllable (/ˈpɪn.dər.ɪk/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A Pindaric ode has an irregular, complex metrical structure organized in triads, while a Horatian ode uses regular, repeated stanzas and a more personal, reflective tone.
Yes, 'The Progress of Poesy' by Thomas Gray is a notable English Pindaric ode.
When referring specifically to the poet Pindar or the formal tradition derived from him, it is conventionally capitalized. In looser usage ('pindaric style'), lowercase is sometimes used.
Rarely. It is a highly specialized literary term. In other contexts, one might simply say 'elaborate praise' or 'triumphal song'.
A formal, elaborate lyrical poem, modelled on the works of the ancient Greek poet Pindar, characterized by a complex, irregular metrical structure.
Pindaric ode is usually literary / academic in register.
Pindaric ode: in British English it is pronounced /pɪnˌdær.ɪk ˈəʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɪnˌdɛr.ɪk ˈoʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None directly associated with the term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'PIN' (point) + 'DARIC' (sounds like 'daring'): a daringly pointed poem for a hero.
Conceptual Metaphor
POETRY IS ARCHITECTURE (it has a complex, deliberate structure); CELEBRATION IS ELEVATION (it lifts the subject to a higher plane).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key feature of a Pindaric ode?