panegyric
pan-uh-JIR-ik
/ˌpænɪˈdʒɪrɪk/
A public speech or published text in praise of someone or something; a formal eulogy.
A highly formal, elaborate, and uncritical tribute, often written or spoken in an elevated style for a grand public occasion.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'panegyrikos', which comes from 'pan' (all) and 'agyris' (assembly). In ancient Greece, a panegyric was a formal speech delivered at a national festival, praising the achievements of the state or its great heroes in front of the entire assembled nation.
Word relationships
- eulogy: A eulogy is specifically delivered for someone who has died, while a panegyric can praise a living person, an institution, or even an abstract concept.
- tribute: A tribute is a general term for an act or statement of gratitude, while a panegyric is a highly formal, stylized literary work.
- diatribe: A forceful and bitter verbal attack, the exact opposite of a panegyric.
- harangue: A lengthy and aggressive speech, whereas a panegyric is a speech of high praise.
Commonly confused with
- panoramic: Panoramic means a wide, unobstructed view, while panegyric is a formal speech of praise.
Word family
- panegyrical (adjective): Expressing formal praise.
- panegyrist (noun): A person who writes or delivers a panegyric.
Collocations
- deliver a panegyric
- write a panegyric
- glowing panegyric
Example sentences
- "The biography was criticized for being a mere panegyric rather than an objective analysis of the leader's life." A literary critique of a biography.
Memory hook
Think of a 'pan' (all) 'gyric' (like lyric). A grand, lyrical song of praise delivered to the whole assembly. Panegyric = Public praise for the whole assembly.
When not to use
Never use for simple, everyday compliments or informal praise.
Fun facts
- The famous Greek orator Isocrates spent ten years writing his 'Panegyricus', a speech urging the Greek city-states to unite against Persia.
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