rhapsodize

American  

[rap-suh-dahyz] / ˈræp səˌdaɪz /

especially British, rhapsodise

verb (used without object)

rhapsodized, rhapsodizing

1. to talk with extravagant enthusiasm.

2. to speak or write rhapsodies.

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verb (used with object)

rhapsodized, rhapsodizing

1. to recite as a rhapsody.

rhapsodize British  

/ ˈræpsəˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to speak or write (something) with extravagant enthusiasm

2. (intr) to recite or write rhapsodies

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Etymology

Origin of rhapsodize

First recorded in 1600–10; rhapsod(y) + -ize

Explanation

Use the verb rhapsodize to refer to speaking with extreme enthusiasm — and often at great length, like that friend who tends to rhapsodize about her favorite movie for twenty minutes straight. To correctly pronounce rhapsodize, say "RAP-so-dies." A rhapsody is a conversation or speech that is elaborate and very emotional, so to rhapsodize is to speak that way. Someone with a tendency to rhapsodize gets carried away with the emotion of the topic. That's why when you rhapsodize you don't always notice that listeners stop listening if they don't share the same passion.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rhapsodize rhapsodized rhapsodizing

But lately, it has found a new gear, notching growth that has surprised Wall Street—and pushed Hasbro’s chief executive to rhapsodize to investors about its scale.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026

We can rhapsodize about our fabulous mountains and beaches, gorgeous parks and gardens, and many breathtaking residential drives.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2024

I also wanted to ask about the specific choice of having Elena address her constituents as “my loves” and rhapsodize about “our love.”

From Salon ● Apr. 8, 2024

Asked what makes the native breed of Spalter hops so special, enthusiasts rhapsodize about their delicate, spicy aroma; their lightness; and the harmony and hint of bitterness the crop imparts.

From New York Times ● Sep. 12, 2023

Madoc is patiently listening to her rhapsodize over the perfection of their garments.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

When Eric Schmidt, speaking last week to the University of Arizona’s graduates, rhapsodized about the coming artificial-intelligence revolution, some in the crowed jeered.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 20, 2026

Back in 2005, when Roberts rhapsodized about Indiana farmland and an endless horizon punctuated only by silos and barns, he was substituting a humble, real-life Midwest upbringing for his own.

From Slate ● May 7, 2026

So beautiful, Pelosi rhapsodized, “I could listen to it forever.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2023

King Charles has rhapsodized about the charms of Romania for decades.

From New York Times ● May 1, 2023

Maurice was evidently very much excited by Michael's lapse into humanity; he had been snubbed so often when he had rhapsodized over girls.

From Sinister Street, vol. 2 by Compton MacKenzie

I'm looking right now at a listing near my own house rhapsodizing about the kitchen's "Hood Vent!!" with, yes, two exclamation points.

From Salon ● Jan. 20, 2023

The greatest broadcaster in sports history preached here, Scully rhapsodizing for 67 seasons about the Dodgers in words celebrated around the world.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 18, 2022

The head of London’s public transport system is rhapsodizing about a subway station — part of a new line he says will be “the envy of the world” when it opens this month.

From Seattle Times ● May 12, 2022

That is Ingmar Bergman, in his memoir “The Magic Lantern,” rhapsodizing on his “secret love,” the island of Faro in the Baltic Sea.

From New York Times ● Oct. 14, 2021

I do, but we'd better stop rhapsodizing and think about our needs.

From The Masters of the Peaks A Story of the Great North Woods by Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander) Altsheler

Related Words

• freak out
• go crazy