ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ode

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈoʊd// UK //ˈəʊd// ode Slang

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.


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.

Etymology 1

From Middle French ode, from Late Latin ōda, from Ancient Greek ᾠδή (ōidḗ, “song”). Doublet of Aoede.

Etymology 2

Shortening.

Usage

Often takes the preposition 'to' to indicate the subject being praised.

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