encomium

American  

[en-koh-mee-uhm] / ɛnˈkoʊ mi əm /

noun

plural

encomiums, encomia

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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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

“Part of the beauty of Mal is that you hear the struggle,” said pianist Ethan Iverson, who has penned a poignant encomium on Waldron’s musical journey.

From Washington Post • Sep. 30, 2022

As the priest assured their families that the quartet's loss was not in vain, the choir chanted the encomium "Memory Eternal" in Ukrainian.

From Reuters • Mar. 15, 2022

A name, a couple of dates, a snatch of prayer, a brief encomium.

From New York Times • Mar. 17, 2021

Granted, those who claim the authority to instruct the rest of us on what deserves that encomium missed its true significance.

From Salon • Feb. 29, 2020

That they succeeded in covering enough of the position to conceal our retreat after night is sufficient encomium of their valorous spirit.

From From Manassas to Appomattox Memoirs of The Civil War in America by Longstreet, James