What does panegyric mean?
A panegyric is a formal piece of praise, such as a speech, essay, poem, or ceremonial address, intended to honour a person, event, or achievement. The word often suggests a polished and elevated tribute, possibly one written or delivered for a public occasion. In modern use, “a panegyric on someone” commonly means an admiring or laudatory account of that person, while “a panegyric for something” can praise an accomplishment or endeavour. Because a panegyric may become openly extravagant or excessively flattering, the term can also carry a mildly critical implication when writers wish to suggest that praise is inflated. It is consequently distinct from an everyday compliment, though it overlaps with a eulogy and with formal expressions of tribute and commendation.
nounA panegyric is a formal expression of praise, often delivered as a speech or written work commemorating a person, event, or achievement. It may also refer more generally to an extravagant tribute.
- A formal speech, poem, or written work expressing praise and honour for a person, event, or achievement.
"The festival opened with a panegyric praising the director's contribution to the arts."
"The magazine published a panegyric on the architect's bold new museum."
"Her speech was a panegyric for the volunteers who kept the community centre running."
"The director's acceptance remarks were a warm panegyric of the team's achievement."
The plural is grammatically regular but relatively uncommon; a singular panegyric is often preferred in formal writing.
"The collection contains panegyrics written for several public anniversaries."
A panegyric turns praise into a literary performance: it is an encomium crafted to elevate the person or achievement it celebrates.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does panegyric come from?
Panegyric comes from Latin panegyricus, a borrowing of Greek panēgyrikos, meaning suitable for or intended to praise. The Greek term was associated with panēgyris, a public festival assembled in honour of a deity or prominent figure, and developed into a tradition of ceremonial praise. The English word entered literary usage in the early 17th century and has continued to denote formal praise, especially in speeches and commemorative writing.
Related word forms
How panegyric is actually used
Usually formal and occasionally grand or ceremonial. It is often used when a tribute is carefully composed rather than offered as spontaneous praise.
Easily confused with panegyric
A eulogy is specifically a speech or writing that praises someone, especially someone who has died, whereas a panegyric can commemorate a person, event, or achievement and is often more formal or ceremonial.