encomium

American  

[en-koh-mee-uhm] / ɛnˈkoʊ mi əm /

noun

encomiums, plural encomia plural

1. a formal expression of high praise; eulogy.

   An encomium by the president greeted the returning hero.

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encomium British  

/ ɛnˈkəʊmɪəm /

noun

1. a formal expression of praise; eulogy; panegyric

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• encomia
  plural
• encomiums
  plural

Etymology

Origin of encomium

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin, from Greek enkṓmion, equivalent to en- en- ² + kôm(os) “a revel” + -ion noun suffix

Explanation

An encomium is a fancy word for a formal speech or piece of writing that warmly praises someone or something. Encomium comes from the Greek word enkomion which, in a nutshell, is to honor someone or something at a party in a poetic speech. It used to refer to the song for the winner of the Olympic Games, sung at a victory celebration. You might hear an encomium at a retirement party, after you publish a fabulous book, or even at a funeral (a eulogy, or speech at a funeral about the person who died, is a kind of encomium). It's pronounced with a long O, en-CO-mium.

Example Sentences

Still, there is something uncomfortably obsequious throughout this encomium to Thomas, who sits in review of Thapar’s own rulings.

From Slate • Jul. 25, 2023

Instead of being chastened, Springer and his producer Richard Dominick incorporated the questionable encomium into each episode's introduction.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2023

The director is Reginald Hudlin, but, in tone and temperament, this lovingly assembled encomium is peak Oprah Winfrey.

From New York Times • Sep. 22, 2022

I’m as guilty as anyone of having blithely used that exaggerated encomium in composing year-end lists in the past.

From Washington Post • Dec. 6, 2021

I fear I must except Widow Wadman, save in the sentry-box scene, from this encomium.

From The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Sterne, Laurence