Panegyric
/ˌpæn.ɪˈdʒɪr.ɪk/noun
A formal public speech or written piece of high praise.
Did you know?Panegyric comes from Greek words for an all-festival gathering, because the original meaning was a speech delivered at major public celebrations, not just any compliment.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁epi
“upon, at”
Ancient Greek
Greek
panēgyris
“a national assembly or festival gathering”
Ancient Greek
Greek
panēgyrikos
“of or for a public festival; ceremonial praise”
Late Latin
Latin
panegyricus
“a formal eulogistic speech”
Middle English
English
panegyrik
“a formal or elaborate speech of praise”
Modern English
English
panegyric
“formal public praise in speech or writing”