Main Entry:

en·co·mi·um

Pronunciation:

\en-ˈkō-mē-əm\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural en·co·mi·ums also -mia \-mē-ə\

Etymology:

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

Date:

1567

: glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise ; also : an expression of this

synonyms 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>.