Words / C2

en-KOHM-ee-uh-m/enˈkəʊmiəm/

An encomium is a formal expression of high praise (literary / formal): an encomium on the dean, a glowing encomium. To praise (already in the dictionary) is everyday; a panegyric and a paean (already in the dictionary) are formal public praise and a hymn of praise. A eulogy (already in the dictionary) is praise especially of the dead; to laud (already in the dictionary) is the verb of high praise, and a plaudit (already in the dictionary) is a round of approval. To denigrate (already in the dictionary) is to run down unfairly. Praise in the minutes is not a finding.

Meaning

A formal expression of high praise (literary / formal).

Examples

• “An encomium in the minutes is not a finding; name the date.”
• “To praise is everyday (already in B2). A panegyric is formal public praise (already in C2). A paean is a hymn of praise (already in C2). A eulogy is praise of the dead (already in C1). To laud is to praise highly (already in C2). To denigrate is to run down (already in C2) — the contrast. A dated figure can still be modest. A swell of adjectives that never states the date is branding. Write the date; leave the hymn.”

Good to know

Formal high praise (literary). Everyday: praise (already in this dictionary). Close: panegyric / paean / eulogy / laud (already in this dictionary). Contrast: denigrate (already in C2). A hymn ≠ a date.

Near in meaning

tribute, eulogy, panegyric, paean

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