Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stringed musical instrument of ancient Greece: A lyre is a U-shaped harp-like instrument with strings stretched between two arms and a crossbar, played by plucking with the fingers. It was traditionally used by the ancient Greeks for accompanying poetry and song.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The poet strummed the lyre while reciting his epic verses.
  • In the museum, we saw a beautifully preserved lyre from the classical era.
  • The sound of the lyre is often described as gentle and melodic.

Advanced Usage

• "To the accompaniment of the lyre": A phrase describing poetry or song performed with the music of a lyre.
  • Ancient bards often sang their stories to the accompaniment of the lyre.

Variants and Related Words

• Lyrist (noun): A player of the lyre.
  • The skilled lyrist captivated the audience.
• Lyric (adjective, noun): Originally, poetry meant to be sung to the lyre; now, it refers to the words of a song or a type of poetry expressing personal emotion.
  • The word "lyric" derives from the instrument used to accompany such poetry.

Synonyms

• Harp: A larger, usually triangular, stringed instrument plucked with the fingers. (Note: A lyre is a specific, ancient type of harp.)
• Stringed instrument: A general category for instruments like the lyre, harp, violin, and guitar.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Lyric poetry": While not a phrasal verb, this common phrase has its roots in the lyre. It refers to a form of poetry that expresses personal emotions, originally designed to be sung with lyre accompaniment.
  • Sappho is famous for her ancient Greek lyric poetry.

Noun

1. a harp used by ancient Greeks for accompaniment