Word of the Day - 06/13/26
encomium
/ɛn'koʊmiəm/(n.): a formal expression of praise
The professor’s retirement ceremony included a heartfelt encomium highlighting her decades of influential research and mentorship.
Word Origin
The word 'encomium' originates from the Ancient Greek word 'enkōmion' (ἐγκώμιον), which meant 'eulogy' or 'praise of a person or thing'. Originally, it referred to a lyric ode sung in praise of a victor at the Olympic games. The Greek word is formed from 'en-' (ἐν), meaning 'in' or 'among', and 'kōmos' (κῶμος), meaning 'revel' or 'procession with music and song' in honor of a god or victor. This passed into Latin as 'encomium' before entering English.
A word with a similar origin, stemming from the Greek root 'kōmos' (revel), is 'comedy'. 'Comedy' comes from Greek 'kōmōidia' (κωμῳδία), which is a compound of 'kōmos' and 'aeidein' (ἀείδειν), meaning 'to sing', originally describing a song sung during a revel.
A panegyric, from the Greek panēgyris meaning “public assembly or festival,” originally referred to a speech delivered at such gatherings and often carries a sense of formal, sometimes extravagant public praise. An encomium, from the Greek enkōmion meaning “song of praise,” is a more general term for an expression of admiration or tribute. While both involve praise, panegyric retains a stronger association with ceremonial public display, whereas encomium simply denotes commendation without that same historical emphasis on public festival rhetoric.