rhapsodic
UK[ræpˈsɒdɪk]US[ræpˈsɑːdɪk]
adj
expressing great enthusiasm or intense feeling in an ecstatic way.
adj
of, resembling, or characteristic of a rhapsody, especially in being free in form or expression.
Morpheme Breakdown
rhapsod
ic
rhapsod
rhapsode
ic
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
the word 'rhapsodic' traces its lineage to the ancient greek performers known as 'rhapsōidoi'. these were singers or reciters who 'stitched together' ('rhaptein') epic poems, particularly those of homer, into a continuous performance. the term evolved to describe the ecstatic, impassioned style of such recitations. by the 17th century, it entered english via latin, initially describing something resembling an epic rhapsody, and later broadening to characterize any speech, writing, or emotion marked by extravagant enthusiasm and a seemingly improvised, effusive quality.
Analysis
Structure: rhapsod (rhapsode) + ic (adjective-forming suffix)
rhapsod (from greek 'rhapsōidos', meaning a reciter of epic poetry, from 'rhaptein' to stitch + 'ōidē' song). ic (from latin '-icus', from greek '-ikos', an adjective-forming suffix meaning 'of, pertaining to').
Examples
she wrote a rhapsodic review of the orchestra's performance.
his speech became increasingly rhapsodic as he described his vision for the future.
the composer's rhapsodic piece for solo piano flowed with passionate, unstructured beauty.