Lyric (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Of or relating to a category of poetry that expresses emotion (often in a songlike way); "lyric poetry".
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The poet's use of vivid imagery and figurative language made her writing truly lyric in style and effect.
- Her love of nature inspired many lyric verses, filled with sensuality and beauty.
- The modern lyric movement seeks to free itself from the formal conventions of earlier periods.
- Lyric passages that occur throughout the epic poem are what set it apart from a mere chronicle.
- By far the greatest example of the classical Greek lyric poets was Sappho of Lesbos.
Related Words
Meaning 2
Expressing deep emotion; "the dancer's lyrical performance".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The poet's lyrical voice conveyed the depth of her sorrow in the poem.
- The musician's lyrical melody was hauntingly beautiful and moved the audience to tears.
- The lyrical prose of the novel transported readers to a world of vivid imagery and strong emotions.
- The actress's lyrical delivery of the monologue brought the character's pain and longing to life.
- The artist's lyrical brushstrokes captured the turbulent emotions of the abstract painting.
Synonyms
Meaning 3
Used of a singer or singing voice that is light in volume and modest in range; "a lyric soprano".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The opera company was looking for a lyric soprano to play the lead role in their upcoming production of La Bohème.
- Her lyric voice was well-suited to the intimate setting of the small jazz club.
- The singer's lyric tone was a perfect match for the delicate, lacy melodies of the Renaissance-era madrigals.
- As a lyric tenor, he was known for his ability to convey subtle emotions through his voice.
- The choir director was seeking a lyric baritone to round out the sound of the ensemble.
Antonyms
Meaning 4
Relating to or being musical drama; "the lyric stage".
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The soprano's powerful voice was well-suited to the lyric operas of Mozart.
- He is best known for his lyric compositions that often incorporate jazz influences.
- The dance company performed a beautiful lyric ballet set to a Tchaikovsky score.
- The poem's meter and rhythm were more akin to lyric verse than narrative prose.
- Her experience on the lyric stage has given her a distinctive presence on Broadway.