encomium
Other forms: encomiums; encomia
An encomium is a fancy word for a formal speech or piece of writing that warmly praises someone or something.
Encomium comes from the Greek word enkomion which, in a nutshell, is to honor someone or something at a party in a poetic speech. It used to refer to the song for the winner of the Olympic Games, sung at a victory celebration. You might hear an encomium at a retirement party, after you publish a fabulous book, or even at a funeral (a eulogy, or speech at a funeral about the person who died, is a kind of encomium). It's pronounced with a long O, en-CO-mium.
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a formal expression of praise
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Vocabulary lists containing encomium
If you want to understand the tools and techniques that great writers use, learn these literary devices and figures of speech.
If you want to understand the tools and techniques that great writers use, learn these literary devices and figures of speech. Review this vocabulary list and you'll be a master of metaphor, an expert on euphemism, and a pro at puns.
Lemuel Gulliver travels to unusual and exotic lands in this unique blend of adventure and satire.