Word
lyricism
Phoneticslyri·cism
US/ˈɫɪɹɪˌsɪzəm/
UK/lˈɪɹɪsˌɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a song-like beauty and deep feeling in writing, music, or art. You use this when words or sounds feel soft, emotional, and musical.
n. song-like expressiveness marked by personal feeling and flowing rhythm in language, music, or performance.
Examples
“Her poems are full of quiet lyricism.”
“The film's slow images and soft music give it a lyricism that makes even ordinary streets look beautiful.”
“Despite its harsh subject, the memoir finds a steady lyricism in small details, turning kitchen light and winter streets into moments of unexpected grace.”
Examples
simple
“Her poems are full of quiet lyricism.”
contextual
“The film's slow images and soft music give it a lyricism that makes even ordinary streets look beautiful.”
complex
“Despite its harsh subject, the memoir finds a steady lyricism in small details, turning kitchen light and winter streets into moments of unexpected grace.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “lyricism” in context.
Verb
01. achieve lyricism
“Few contemporary poets achieve lyricism without sounding sentimental.”
verb + noun
02. display lyricism
“The pianist displayed remarkable lyricism in the slow movement.”
verb + noun
03. infuse with lyricism
“She infuses her prose with lyricism without losing clarity.”
verb + prep + noun
04. lyricism permeates
“A gentle lyricism permeates his entire collection of essays.”
noun + verb
05. lyricism shines
“The lyricism shines most clearly in the novel's descriptive passages.”
noun + verb
06. lyricism softens
“The lyricism softens the harsh realism of the war scenes.”
noun + verb
Adjective
07. haunting lyricism
“The film's score has a haunting lyricism that stays with you.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. moment of lyricism
“The speech was interrupted by a brief moment of lyricism.”
noun + prep + noun
09. a moment of pure lyricism
“The chorus provided a moment of pure lyricism in the opera.”
10. a touch of lyricism
“His architectural designs always include a touch of lyricism.”
11. combine power with lyricism
“The tenor combines power with lyricism in every performance.”
12. infused with quiet lyricism
“The memoir is infused with quiet lyricism and deep nostalgia.”
Real-World Examples
“There was supple lyricism in his playing, not just in melodic phrases, but in scurrying passage work.” Etymology
From lyric + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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