Definition

1. Noun:
   • A lyric poem, typically one characterized by a serious subject, an elevated style, and an elaborate stanza structure. It is often written to praise or glorify a person, event, or thing.

Usage

• An ode is a formal, often ceremonious type of poetry. It is not a casual or simple poem but is structured with complex stanzas and expresses deep, dignified emotion, such as admiration, celebration, or reflection.
• It is used as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• The poet wrote a beautiful ode to autumn.
• One of the most famous English odes is Keats's "Ode to a Nightingale."
• She composed an ode in honor of the city's founding.

Advanced Usage

• Pindaric ode: An ode following the form of the ancient Greek poet Pindar, characterized by a triadic structure of strophe, antistrophe, and epode.
  • The poet attempted to write a Pindaric ode to capture the grandeur of the victory.
• Horatian ode: An ode following the form of the Roman poet Horace, characterized by a more regular, meditative stanza pattern.
  • His quiet, reflective poem was a Horatian ode to simple country life.

Variants and Related Words

• Odist (noun): A writer of odes.
  • The 18th-century poet was a renowned odist.

Synonyms

• Lyric poem: A poem expressing personal emotion.
• Panegyric: A public speech or published text in praise of someone or something (similar in theme but not necessarily in poetic form).
• Eulogy: A speech or writing in praise of a person, typically someone who has recently died (similar in purpose but not in structure).

Antonyms

• Satire: A poem or other work that uses humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize.
• Lampoon: A harsh satire directed against an individual.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "An ode to...": A common phrase used to title or describe a work that celebrates or is dedicated to something.
  • His latest film is an ode to classic Hollywood cinema. (Note: This is a metaphorical use, not strictly a poem.)

Noun

1. a lyric poem with complex stanza forms