panegyric

pan·e·gy·ric

noun \ˌpa-nə-ˈjir-ik, -ˈjī-rik\

Definition of PANEGYRIC

: a eulogistic oration or writing; also : formal or elaborate praise

— pan·e·gy·ri·cal \-ˈjir-i-kəl, -ˈjī-ri-\ adjective

— pan·e·gy·ri·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of PANEGYRIC

1. <wrote a panegyric on the centennial of the Nobel laureate's birth>

Origin of PANEGYRIC

Latin panegyricus, from Greek panēgyrikos, from panēgyrikos of or for a festival assembly, from panēgyris festival assembly, from pan- + agyris assembly; akin to Greek ageirein to gather

First Known Use: 1603

Related to PANEGYRIC

Synonyms

accolade, citation, commendation, dithyramb, eulogium, eulogy, homage, hymn, paean, encomium, salutation, tribute

Related Words

award, decoration, dedication, honor, prize; acclaim, acclamation, laudation; applause, plaudit(s); bravo, hallelujah, kudo; approval, cachet, compliment, recommendation

Near Antonyms

censure, condemnation, denunciation, indictment, rebuke, reprimand, reproof; admonition, correction, harangue, lecture, sermon

See Synonym Discussion at encomium

Other Literature Terms

apophasis, bathos, bildungsroman, bowdlerize, caesura, coda, doggerel, euphemism, poesy, prosody

Rhymes with PANEGYRIC

atmospheric, hemispheric, stratospheric

panegyric

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Eulogistic oration or laudatory discourse. The panegyric originally was a speech delivered at an ancient Greek general assembly (panegyris), such as the Olympic and Panathenaic festivals. Speakers frequently advocated Hellenic unity by expounding on the former glories of Greek cities; hence the elaborate and flowery connotations of the term. Later Roman speakers praised and flattered eminent persons, especially emperors, in panegyrics. The form was also used in the European Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque era.