lyrically
gb/lˈɪɹɪkli/ us/lˈɪɹɪkli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
C1
property
1
in a poetic, expressive way
in a beautiful, poetic way
Usage pattern:
[someone] writes/speaks [lyrically] (about [something])
Common mistake:
Do not confuse lyrically (poetically) with literally (not figuratively).
Synonyms
poetically (The closest synonym; emphasizes poetic style.)
|
evocatively (Emphasizes creating strong images or feelings.)
|
expressively (Emphasizes showing emotion clearly.)
Antonyms
prosaically (In an ordinary, matter-of-fact way, without poetic style.)
|
plainly (Without decoration or poetic language.)
Collocations
write lyrically
|speak lyrically
|describe something lyrically
|lyrically written
|lyrically expressive
|lyrically beautiful
|lyrically told
|lyrically stylized
|lyrically phrased
|lyrically evokes
Themes
arts
|poetry
|writing
|literature
Examples
- She writes lyrically about childhood and loss.
- The novel opens with a scene that is described lyrically, almost like a poem.
- He spoke lyrically of the mountains and the changing light.
Learner examples
- He writes lyrically about nature.
- The story is told lyrically.
adverb
B2
relation
2
in terms of song lyrics
about the words of a song
Usage pattern:
Lyrically, [clause] / [something] is [adjective] lyrically
Common mistake:
Lyrically usually refers to song words (lyrics), not to being 'literally' true.
Synonyms
verbally (Broader; refers to words in general, not specifically song lyrics.)
|
in terms of the lyrics (More explicit and often used in careful writing.)
Antonyms
musically (Refers to the sound, melody, or musical composition rather than the lyrics.)
|
instrumentally (Refers to instruments and arrangement rather than sung words.)
Collocations
lyrically strong
|lyrically weak
|lyrically rich
|lyrically complex
|lyrically simple
|lyrically darker
|lyrically focused
|lyrically impressive
|lyrically brilliant
|doesn't make sense lyrically
Themes
music
|arts
|language
Examples
- Lyrically, the track is much darker than their earlier singles.
- The chorus is catchy, but it doesn’t make much sense lyrically.
- I like the production, though lyrically the album feels repetitive.
Learner examples
- Lyrically, this song is very sad.
- The song is strong lyrically.
Grammar
Dictionary form
lyrically
IPA
GB/lˈɪɹɪkli/
US/lˈɪɹɪkli/
Syllables & stress
lyr - ic - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (lyr)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: lyrically
- Plural: lyricallies
Word family
Expressions
lyrically speaking
1/lˈɪɹɪkli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
as for the song’s words
when talking about the lyrics
Examples
- Lyrically speaking, it’s one of their most personal songs.
- Lyrically speaking, the verses are great, but the chorus is weak.
- Lyrically speaking, the message is clear even if the story is confusing.