encomium

encomium, eulogy, panegyric, tribute, citation denote a more or less formal and public expression of praise.

Encomium implies enthusiasm or warmth in praising a thing or more often a person

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encomium in old time was poet's work— Cowper

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the encomiums by my friend pronounced on humble life— Wordsworth

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every worthy quality which he had in mind when he rolled out his unctuous encomiums of Americanism— S. H. Adams

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Eulogy implies a more studied form than encomium; as a rule it applies to a speech (or writing) extolling the virtues and the services of a person; the term is especially and specifically applied to a funeral oration or sermon of this character

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great minds should only criticize the great who have passed beyond the reach of eulogy or faultfinding— Lang

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I would rather have a plain coffin without a flower, a funeral without a eulogy, than a life without . . . love and sympathy— Childs

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Panegyric carries a far stronger implication of elaborate, high- flown, often poetical or rhetorical compliment than either of the preceding terms but it does not now emphasize publicity as much as it once did

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but verse, alas! your Majesty disdains; and I'm not used to panegyric strains— Pope

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all panegyrics are mingled with an infusion of poppy— Swift

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Tribute applies not only to spoken or written praise but to any act or situation which can be construed as taking its place

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no tribute can be paid to them which exceeds their merit— John Marshall

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I am appointed sole executor, a confidence I appreciate as a tribute to my lifelong friendship— H. G. Wells

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Citation is used in designating either the formal eulogy accompanying the awarding of an honor (as an honorary degree) or the specific mention of a person in military service in an order or dispatch

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Columbia's citation praised Mr. Rhee as an "indomitable leader, implacable enemy of Communist totalitarianism" and "a scholar and statesman"— Christian Science Monitor

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he had received the Croix de Guerre, with a divisional citation, for his service in Belgium— Malcolm Cowley

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Analogous words: lauding or laudation, extolling or extollation, praising or praise (see corresponding verbs at PRAISE): plaudits, *applause, acclaim, acclamation: commending or commendation, complimenting or compliment (see corresponding verbs at COMMEND)

Contrasted words: invective, *abuse, vituperation, obloquy