Word
ode
US/ˈoʊd/
UK/ˈəʊd/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a serious poem written to praise a person, an object, or an idea. It usually has a formal style and expresses deep feelings of respect.
n. a lyric poem characterized by elevated style, formal structure, and a serious tone, typically written in praise of a specific subject.
Examples
“He wrote a beautiful ode to his hometown.”
“The poet performed a moving ode dedicated to the fallen soldiers during the memorial service.”
“Keats is renowned for his mastery of the form, particularly in works where the ode serves as a vehicle for exploring the tension between eternal art and human mortality.”
Examples
simple
“He wrote a beautiful ode to his hometown.”
contextual
“The poet performed a moving ode dedicated to the fallen soldiers during the memorial service.”
complex
“Keats is renowned for his mastery of the form, particularly in works where the ode serves as a vehicle for exploring the tension between eternal art and human mortality.”
Usage
Often takes the preposition 'to' to indicate the subject being praised.
Real-World Examples
“On lead single Howl, Simon – who recently revealed she’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease – turns a quiet storm of anger into an ode to joy and forgiveness.” “The result is a sincere, leg-burning ode to Cadel Evans , the first Aussie to win the Tour de France.” Etymology
From Middle French ode, from Late Latin ōda, from Ancient Greek ᾠδή (ōidḗ, “song”). Doublet of Aoede.
Shortening.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- 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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/ode