panegyric: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal
Quick answer
What does “panegyric” mean?
A formal speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly.
Often used in ceremonial, literary, or rhetorical contexts to express elaborate and public commendation, sometimes with connotations of excessiveness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; the word is equally formal in both variants.
Connotations
In both British and American English, it connotes historical, literary, or ceremonial praise, often perceived as elaborate or ornate.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech; slightly more common in academic, rhetorical, or historical writing in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “panegyric” in a Sentence
panegyric on [subject]panegyric to [person]panegyric about [topic]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “panegyric” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The poet panegyrized the monarch in his latest work.
American English
- She panegyrized the founding fathers in her dissertation.
adverb
British English
- He spoke panegyrically about the charity's impact.
American English
- She wrote panegyrically of the team's accomplishments.
adjective
British English
- His panegyrical address was met with applause.
American English
- The review was panegyrical, highlighting every positive aspect.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in formal award ceremonies or executive speeches for exceptional achievements.
Academic
Common in literary criticism, history, rhetoric, and classical studies to describe formal praise in texts or orations.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation; would sound pretentious or out of place.
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields; primarily confined to humanities and social sciences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “panegyric”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “panegyric”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “panegyric”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈpæn.ɪ.dʒaɪ.rɪk/ or /pænˈɛdʒ.ɪr.ɪk/.
- Using it interchangeably with casual praise like 'compliment' in informal settings.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal word typically reserved for literary, ceremonial, or academic contexts.
No, by definition, a panegyric is exclusively for praise; for criticism, terms like 'diatribe' or 'critique' are used.
While both involve praise, a eulogy is specifically for a deceased person, often at a funeral, whereas a panegyric can praise any subject and is more formal and elaborate.
Use it only in formal writing or speech where elaborate praise is intended, and ensure the context warrants such a high register to avoid sounding pretentious.
A formal speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly.
Panegyric is usually formal in register.
Panegyric: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpæn.ɪˈdʒɪr.ɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpæn.əˈdʒɪr.ɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'pan' (meaning 'all' in Greek) and 'egyric' (similar to 'eulogy'); a panegyric is all-encompassing praise.
Conceptual Metaphor
Praise is a monument; panegyric as a constructed edifice or ceremonial performance of commendation.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate definition of 'panegyric'?