What does encomiastical mean?
Encomiastical is a formal adjective describing language or writing that expresses elaborate, enthusiastic praise. It derives from 'encomium,' a term inherited from Greek through Latin meaning a formal expression of high commendation, such as a eulogy or panegyric. To call a speech, review, or tribute encomiastical is to say it reads like an extended act of praising rather than neutral description — and the word often carries a subtle implication that the praise may be excessive or lacking in critical balance. A reviewer might note that a biography's opening chapters are encomiastical rather than analytical, gently signaling bias. The word belongs to a small scholarly family that includes 'encomium,' 'encomiast' (a person who delivers praise), and 'encomiastic.' Though rare in casual conversation, it is a precise and useful tool in literary criticism, obituary writing, and any context where one wishes to characterize praise as formal, abundant, or perhaps overdone.
adjectiveOf the nature of an encomium; expressing high praise or lavish commendation.
- Relating to or characteristic of an encomium; expressing enthusiastic or elaborate praise.
"The retiring professor was moved by the encomiastical tributes paid by her former students."
"The award citation was so encomiastical that several colleagues joked it read like canonization."
"Critics dismissed the biography's opening chapter as encomiastical rather than analytical."
When ordinary praise isn't enough, English borrowed a whole Greek word for it — and then made an even fancier adjective out of that.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of encomiastical
Encomiastical traces back to the Greek 'enkomion,' meaning a formal song or speech in someone's honor, formed from 'en-' ('in') and 'komos' ('revel, festive procession'). The word passed into Latin as 'encomium,' entered English in the late sixteenth century, and gave rise to 'encomiast' and the adjectives 'encomiastic' and 'encomiastical,' which appeared in English in the seventeenth century. Its closest relatives are 'encomium,' 'encomiast,' and 'encomiastic,' all sharing the same Greek root.
Related word forms
How encomiastical is actually used
A formal, learned word, far rarer than its synonym 'laudatory.' It is most at home in literary criticism, obituaries, and ceremonial writing; in everyday speech it would sound stilted. It often carries a faint suggestion that the praise is excessive or uncritical.
Easily confused with encomiastical
'Economical' means thrifty or cost-effective, while 'encomiastical' means full of praise — they merely share a similar sound.