Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who delivers a panegyric: A panegyrist is a speaker or writer who formally and elaborately praises someone or something, often in a public address or written composition.
   • An encomiast: A panegyrist is someone who composes or delivers eulogies, celebrating the virtues or achievements of a person, place, or institution.

Usage

• The word "panegyrist" is a formal noun, typically used in literary, historical, or academic contexts to describe a person engaged in the specific act of delivering high praise.
• It often refers to classical orators but can be applied to modern writers or speakers who use a similarly lavish and formal style of commendation.

Examples

• The ancient poet was known as the official panegyrist for the emperor, composing odes for state ceremonies.
• In her biography, she avoids the tone of a mere panegyrist, offering a balanced critique of the leader's legacy.
• His reputation as a panegyrist was cemented by the eloquent funeral oration he delivered.

Advanced Usage

• As a rhetorical role: In classical rhetoric, a panegyrist had a specific ceremonial function, often speaking at public festivals, funerals, or celebrations of military victory.
  • Cicero, while often a critic, could also serve as a powerful panegyrist for the Roman Republic.

Variants and Related Words

• Panegyric (n): A public speech or published text in praise of someone or something; a eulogy.
  • The book is more a panegyric to the author's hometown than a factual history.
• Panegyrize (v): To deliver or write a panegyric; to praise highly.
  • The poet was commissioned to panegyrize the king's coronation.

Synonyms

• Eulogist: A person who delivers a eulogy, especially a funeral oration.
• Encomiast: A person who praises someone or something highly in speech or writing.
• Laudator: (Formal) A person who expresses praise and commendation.

Antonyms

• Critic: A person who expresses disapproval or finds fault.
• Detractor: A person who disparages someone or something.
• Censor: A person who criticizes severely.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To play the panegyrist: To take on the role of offering extravagant praise (often used with a slightly critical or ironic tone regarding the excess of the praise).
  • In his introduction, he felt compelled to play the panegyrist, overlooking all flaws in his mentor's work.

Noun

1. an orator who delivers eulogies or panegyrics