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lyricism

American  
[lir-uh-siz-uhm] / ˈlɪr əˌsɪz əm /

noun

  1. lyric character or style, as in poetry.

  2. lyric feeling; enthusiasm, especially when unrestrained or exaggerated.


lyricism British  
/ ˈlɪrɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

  1. the quality or style of lyric poetry

  2. emotional or enthusiastic outpouring

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonlyricism noun

Etymology

Origin of lyricism

First recorded in 1750–60; lyric + -ism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On the subject of lyricism, as may be deduced by now, it was a largely disappointing year for new musicals—but not for musical-theater performances.

From The Wall Street Journal

Inspired by Pink Floyd’s “The Wall,” Sonic Youth’s distortion, Black Sabbath’s symbolic lyricism and layered instrumentals, and surrealist artwork, “Mellon Collie” tested the Smashing Pumpkins’ limits as a band.

From Los Angeles Times

Jay Parini, in his review, observed that the author of “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” was the man who “embodied, or perhaps invented, the American voice, with its granular lyricism and rough-edged, transgressive humor.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The lunar lighting along with the glow of Masli’s wacky concern enhanced the lyricism of a show whose effect would probably be more concentrated in a more intimate venue.

From Los Angeles Times

“Taylor’s lyricism and Max’s production together is just magical pop perfection.”

From The Wall Street Journal