rhapsodize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary. Used more often in written English than in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “rhapsodize” mean?
To speak or write about someone or something with great enthusiasm and delight.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To speak or write about someone or something with great enthusiasm and delight.
To express oneself in an effusively enthusiastic, ecstatic, or exalted manner, often at length. Historically, to recite or compose an epic poem.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The British spelling is 'rhapsodise', the American is 'rhapsodize'. Usage is similar, though the word may be slightly more common in American literary and journalistic contexts.
Connotations
Similar in both dialects. Can imply a genuine, heartfelt outpouring or a slightly over-the-top, uncritical enthusiasm depending on context.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, but slightly higher in American English according to corpus data.
Grammar
How to Use “rhapsodize” in a Sentence
[Subject] rhapsodizes about/over [Object][Subject] rhapsodizes that [Clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rhapsodize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She would often rhapsodise about her holiday in the Scottish Highlands.
- The critic rhapsodised over the young painter's use of light.
American English
- He rhapsodized about the perfect crust of the New York pizza.
- The travel writer rhapsodized that the canyon was nature's greatest masterpiece.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing or PR contexts: 'The CEO rhapsodized about the company's new vision for sustainability.'
Academic
Occasional in literary or art criticism: 'The author rhapsodizes on the sublime qualities of the natural world.'
Everyday
Rare. Used humorously or for effect: 'He spent the whole dinner rhapsodizing about his new pasta maker.'
Technical
Very rare. Not used in scientific or technical registers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rhapsodize”
- Misspelling: 'rapsodize', 'rhaspodize'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'rhapsodize for' (use 'about' or 'over').
- Using it to mean simply 'to praise'; it implies length and effusiveness.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally positive, describing enthusiastic praise. However, context can make it slightly negative, implying the speaker is over-the-top or uncritical.
It is usually too emotional and literary for a standard business report. A more neutral word like 'praise', 'highlight', or 'emphasize' would be more appropriate.
The main noun is 'rhapsody' (an effusively enthusiastic expression, or a musical composition). The person who rhapsodizes is a 'rhapsodist' (rare).
Typically, yes. It is usually followed by 'about' or 'over' + the object of enthusiasm. It can also be followed by a 'that' clause (e.g., 'He rhapsodized that it was the best day of his life').
To speak or write about someone or something with great enthusiasm and delight.
Rhapsodize is usually formal, literary. used more often in written english than in casual conversation. in register.
Rhapsodize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrapsədʌɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈræpsəˌdaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RHAPsodist (a person who recites epic poems) getting carried away with SIZEable enthusiasm. 'RHAPSODIZE' sounds like 'wrap-so-dies' - imagine wrapping up a speech so full of praise that the critical part of you dies.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENTHUSIASM IS A FLOOD / ENTHUSIASM IS MUSIC (from its root in 'rhapsody', a musical composition of irregular form).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'rhapsodize' MOST appropriately used?