A type of lyrical poem expressing deep feelings or thoughts about a particular subject, typically of praise, glorification, or tribute. Odes are characterized by their formal structure and elevated style.
From Greek 'ōidē' meaning 'song' or 'chant', related to 'aeidein' meaning 'to sing'. The term entered English via Latin 'oda' in the 16th century, originally referring to classical Greek choral songs.
The ode has evolved from ancient Greek ceremonial songs performed with musical accompaniment to modern poetry that captures intense emotion without music. Keats' famous odes like 'Ode to a Nightingale' transformed this classical form into deeply personal meditations on beauty, mortality, and truth.
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