Having the qualities of song or poetry; expressing deep personal emotions in a beautiful, musical way. Can describe writing, speech, or even movement that has poetic quality.
From Greek 'lyrikos' relating to the lyre, a stringed instrument used to accompany sung poetry. Through Latin and French, it entered English in the 16th century, expanding from musical contexts to any expression with poetic beauty.
The ancient connection between this word and the lyre reveals how music and poetry were once inseparable arts. Even today, when we call something 'lyrical,' we're invoking that ancient unity of word, rhythm, and melody that touched the human soul.
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