Words / C2

PEE-uh-n/ˈpiːən/

A paean is a song, speech, or text of enthusiastic praise (literary): a paean to liberty, sing a paean. Praise (already in the dictionary) is everyday; panegyric (this batch) is the more formal public oration. A hymn of praise is the old sense. Do not let a paean to the brand stand in for a post on the rota.

Meaning

A song, speech, or piece of writing of enthusiastic praise (literary).

Examples

• “A paean to the brand is not a spare invigilator.”
• “Praise is everyday (already in the dictionary). A panegyric is a formal public eulogy (this batch). A tribute is close. Invective is the attack cousin (already in C2). Applause after a paper is allowed. A hymn that never names the n is advertising. Staff the clinic; then write the ode.”

Good to know

A hymn of praise (literary). Everyday: praise. Close: panegyric (this batch, more formal). A slogan is not a post.

Near in meaning

praise

New