encomium

IPA/enˈkəʊmiəm/
KK[ɛnkˈɔmˌɪəm]IPA/enˈkəʊmiəm/

encomium — noun

1. an elaborate expression of admiration for a person or thing, especially one give

1.nounC2
Definition

an elaborate expression of admiration for a person or thing, especially one given in a formal speech or article.

Example

At the award dinner, Jenna delivered an encomium to the village doctor.

deliver an encomium to [person]

The museum booklet included an encomium on the painter's early work.

an encomium on [thing]

Common collocations
  • deliver an encomium
  • write an encomium
  • an encomium to
  • an encomium on
  • lavish encomium
Synonyms
  • panegyric

    very close, but often sounds longer and more ceremonial

  • tribute

    broader and much more common; can be a speech, gift, or public act

  • eulogy

    formal praise, especially for someone who has died

Antonyms
  • criticism

    points out faults instead of praising

  • condemnation

    formal and strongly negative rather than admiring

Grammar Patterns

deliver an encomium to [person]

write an encomium on [person/thing]

read like an encomium to [person]

Usage Note

Usually appears in formal or literary English, especially for carefully shaped spoken or written praise. It is far less common than 'praise' or 'tribute' and often suggests elevated public admiration.

Common Mistakes

Her quick thank-you text was an encomium to the volunteers.
Her formal banquet speech was an encomium to the volunteers.
An encomium is usually an extended, formal expression of praise, not a brief casual message.
The report offered an encomium of the plan's strengths and weaknesses.
The report offered a balanced review of the plan.
An encomium is strongly admiring, not a mixed or even-handed judgment.

Word family

  • encomiastic
    adjectiveC2
  • encomiast
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Encomium is a literary and rhetorical word for strong public praise in speech or writing. Panegyric is very close, but it often sounds more ceremonial and can suggest a longer, more grand performance. Tribute is much broader and more common: it can be a speech, a song, a gift, or another act showing respect. Praise is the everyday word and works in both casual and formal situations. Eulogy is narrower because it is usually spoken for someone who has died. A commemorative booklet might include an encomium to a founder, while a friend at dinner would more naturally offer simple praise or a warm tribute.

encomium ↗panegyric ↗tribute ↗praise ↗eulogy ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • deliver an encomium
  • write an encomium
  • read like an encomium

Prepositions

Etymology

Ancient GreekLatinEnglish

Encomium comes from Latin 'encomium', borrowed from Ancient Greek 'enkomion', a speech or song of praise. In English it kept the idea of carefully shaped admiration, especially in formal or literary settings.

First known use

1567

1567, in the meaning defined above