What does lyricism mean?
Lyricism is the expressive, poetic, or emotional quality of language, particularly as it appears in poetry, song, speech, or other artistic work. The word often suggests an emphasis on feeling, imagery, rhythm, and musical language rather than straightforward factual statement. In literary criticism, lyricism can describe the emotional character of a poem or writer; in music criticism, it may refer to the expressive character of a song or performance. The term is not limited to love songs or sentimental writing, nor does it simply mean that words are present. A work can have strong lyricism while dealing with complex, restrained, or even unsettling subjects. Lyricism is therefore especially useful when discussing how language carries mood and experience, although it is more typical of formal criticism and arts journalism than of casual conversation.
nounThe expressive or poetic quality of language, especially in writing, song, or speech. It often refers to an emotive style that emphasizes feeling, imagery, and musicality.
- The expressive, emotional, or poetic quality of language, especially in writing, speech, or song.
- In literary or music criticism, a lyrical style or the use of emotionally expressive and poetic language.
"The song's intimate lyricism gives even its most ordinary observations a sense of confession."
"Her poetry is noted for its emotional lyricism and vivid attention to ordinary life."
"The critic praised the composer's lyricism, arguing that the music communicated feeling more directly than the words did."
Rare; lyricism is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The album sets two sharply contrasting lyricisms against one another."
From the Greek for “of the lyre” to modern songwriters, lyricism is the art of making words carry the feeling.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lyricism
Lyricism was formed in English in the early nineteenth century from lyric and the suffix -ism. English lyric comes through French lyrique and Latin lyricus from Greek lyrikos, meaning “of a lyre,” an association that developed through lyric poetry and songs accompanied by the instrument. Modern usages extend the idea of lyrical expression beyond poetry to song, speech, and other forms of artistic language.
How lyricism is actually used
Usually uncountable and most common in literary, music, and art criticism. In discussions of popular music, it describes emotional expressiveness rather than the mere presence of written lyrics.
Easily confused with lyricism
Lyricism is the expressive quality or style of language, whereas a lyric is a poem or the words of a song.