Sapphic ode

9.9

A poem in four-line stanzas that follows an old Greek rhythm, often about love or strong feeling

noun
/ˈsæfɪk oʊd/

Literature

: oda sáfica

In literature class, we analyzed a famous Sapphic ode by imitating its stanzaic structure and meter.

Examples

Her latest collection includes a masterful Sapphic ode dedicated to the theme of unrequited love.
The poet experimented with various classical forms, eventually composing a Sapphic ode that won critical acclaim.
Wow! What a beautiful Sapphic ode!
The poet wrote a beautiful Sapphic ode to love.
Her latest collection includes a masterful Sapphic ode dedicated to the theme of unrequited love.
The poet experimented with various classical forms, eventually composing a Sapphic ode that won critical acclaim.
In literature class, we analyzed a famous Sapphic ode by imitating its stanzaic structure and meter.

Synonyms

ode

vsSapphic ode

Literature

22 7.8

A poem that praises someone or something in a formal, musical way

is a specific form using Sapphic metre and four line stanzas

Surface Forms

Sapphic ode singular

Sapphic odes plural

Morphology

Sapphic + ode

The meaning 'a lyric poem in Sapphic metre' follows directly from combining 'Sapphic' (relating to Sappho / Sapphic metre) with 'ode' (a lyrical poem). This simple adjectival + noun composition is compositional and therefore transparent to a B1 learner who knows both constituent meanings.

Etymology

Sapphic ode is named after the ancient poet Sappho, who wrote short, personal 'songs', and ode means a 'song' or 'poem' of praise. A Sapphic ode copies her line pattern and keeps that intimate, emotional style, so today it means a 'poem' in Sappho's form often about strong feeling.