Definition

1. Noun:

   • A formal expression of praise, often delivered in a public speech or written text. It is a eulogistic composition that celebrates the virtues, achievements, or character of a person, event, or institution.

2. Adjective:

   • Formally expressing praise; eulogistic. This form is often used to describe a speech, text, or style that is laudatory.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The poet delivered a moving panegyric at the national hero's memorial service.
  • His latest book is less a biography and more a panegyric to the company's founder.

• Adjective:

  • The article was written in a panegyric tone, extolling the mayor's every decision.
  • Her panegyric remarks about the retiring professor moved the entire audience.

Advanced Usage

• "To deliver/pronounce a panegyric": To formally give a speech of high praise.

  • The ambassador was asked to deliver a panegyric at the state ceremony.

• Panegyric in classical rhetoric: In ancient Greece and Rome, a panegyric was a formal public speech, often at a festival, praising a ruler or celebrating a victory.

  • The orator's panegyric followed the traditional structure established by Isocrates.

Variants and Related Words

• Panegyrical (adjective): A less common variant of the adjective form, meaning full of praise.

  • The biography was criticized for its panegyrical approach, lacking critical analysis.

• Panegyrist (noun): A person who writes or delivers a panegyric.

  • The court panegyrist was tasked with composing odes for the king's birthday.

Synonyms

• Eulogy: A speech or piece of writing that praises someone highly, typically someone who has just died.
• Encomium: A formal expression of high praise; a eulogy.
• Tribute: An act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration.
• Laudation: The act of praising; high praise.

Related Phrases

• "A panegyric on/to": Used to specify the subject of the praise.
  • He wrote a panegyric on the virtues of rural life.
  • The ceremony featured a panegyric to the fallen soldiers.

Related Idioms

• "To sing someone's/something's praises": To praise someone or something enthusiastically and publicly. (This is an informal idiom with a similar meaning to the formal act of giving a panegyric).
  • Ever since the product launch, the CEO has been singing its praises in every interview.

Adjective

1. formally expressing praise

Noun

1. a formal expression of praise