encomium

noun

en·​co·​mi·​um en-ˈkō-mē-əm 

plural encomiums also encomia en-ˈkō-mē-ə 

: glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise

also : an expression of this

Did you know?

Kudos to encomium for being a marvelous, magnificent, must-have word for high praise for over four centuries—at least in formal speech and writing. Indeed, like its synonym panegyric, encomium (from the Greek word enkōmion, meaning “celebration”) has seen a steady drop in usage since the early 1800s and is rarely encountered outside of literary or highfalutin contexts. It does pop up in pop culture now and again, however. Music fans of a certain generation may remember a host of their favorite artists, from Tori Amos to Stone Temple Pilots, paying tribute to Led Zeppelin in 1995 on the appropriately titled album Encomium: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin. And more recently, the famously loquacious television series Gilmore Girls dropped encomium no less than five times in a 2016 episode featuring “Stars Hollow: The Musical,” a show-within-a-show featuring the line “Not so fast with the encomiums!” Of course, you may dish out your own encomiums in any manner or velocity you wish—and verily we shall tip our chapeaux.

Synonyms

• accolade
• citation
• commendation
• dithyramb
• eulogium
• eulogy
• homage
• hymn
• paean
• panegyric
• salutation
• tribute

Choose the Right Synonym for encomium

encomium, eulogy, panegyric, tribute, citation mean a formal expression of praise.

encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing.

received encomiums from literary critics

eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person.

delivered the eulogy at the funeral service

panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

tribute implies deeply felt praise conveyed either through words or through a significant act.

the concert was a musical tribute to the early jazz masters

citation applies to the formal praise of a person offered in a military dispatch or in awarding an honorary degree.

earned a citation for bravery

Examples of encomium in a Sentence

the encomiums bestowed on a teacher at her retirement ceremonies

Recent Examples on the Web

According to a detailed and well-sourced Washington Post exposé, the plot was directed from the highest levels of Indian intelligence, with the apparent blessing of officials close to Modi himself—all while Modi basked in Biden’s lavish encomium. —Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024

Legendary frontman Stephen Malkmus would likely be opposed to the usual encomiums. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2024

Since Joe Biden was dragged kicking and screaming from the 2024 presidential race, Americans have been treated with many an encomium to the president’s selfless statesmanship. —Jason Willick, Washington Post, 30 July 2024

Politics, even now, is about more than baubles and encomia, and in their obstinacy, most voters remain at least somewhat interested in the policies that each candidate brings to the feast. —Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 29 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek enkōmion, from en in + kōmos revel, celebration

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

encomium

noun

en·​co·​mi·​um en-ˈkō-mē-əm 

plural encomiums also encomia

-mē-ə

: warm or high praise especially when formally expressed : eulogy