panegyric
/ˌpæn.əˈdʒɪr.ɪk/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A panegyric is a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something very highly. It is usually formal and often sounds public, official, or literary.
- The writer gave a panegyric to her teacher.
- His speech was a panegyric on hard work.
- The book reads like a panegyric to the city.
Adinary Nuance
A panegyric is stronger and more formal than simple praise. It is closer to a speech of praise than to everyday words like compliment or approval. Writers often use it in serious, literary, or ceremonial contexts. It can also sound a little old-fashioned.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- bài ca ngợi
- Spanish
- elogio
- Chinese
- 赞美辞
- Japanese
- 賛辞
- Korean
- 찬양
Etymology
Panegyric comes from Greek panēgyrikos, meaning 'for a public gathering' or 'full of praise'. It entered English through Latin and French in the 1500s.
Common phrases
a panegyric ondeliver a panegyricwrite a panegyric
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is panegyric a formal word?
- Yes. It is formal and often used in writing, speeches, or literary criticism.
- What is the difference between panegyric and praise?
- Praise is general and common. Panegyric is a more formal, intense, and often long expression of praise.
- Can I use panegyric in everyday English?
- You can, but it may sound too formal or bookish in daily conversation.