ode

Everyday

1. A poem that praises or speaks to someone or something, often in a grand, serious style. tree →
2. (playful) Anything made to celebrate something: «an ode to pizza». tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons pupils read odes such as Keats's «To Autumn» and «Ode to a Nightingale», and may write their own odes to the sea or to a pet. In music, «Ode to Joy» is the famous tune from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, today the anthem of Europe. Phrase: «an ode to».

Examples

• The poet wrote an ode to the sea. tree →
• We read Keats's «Ode to a Nightingale» in class. tree →
• Our class wrote funny odes to chocolate. tree →
• «Ode to Joy» is played at big European events. tree →
• The song is an ode to summer holidays. tree →
• Write an ode that praises your favourite place. tree →

Note

«An ode», not «a ode». Homophone: «owed» (past of owe: «I owed him £2»).