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"encomium"
Definition: Tribute or eulogy in prose or verse glorifying people, objects, ideas, or events. One of the progymnasmata (see What Are the Progymnasmata?). (Plural, encomia.)
Etymology:
From the Greek, "praise"
Examples:
- "Farewell dear babe, my heart's too much content,
Farewell sweet babe, the pleasure of mine eye,
Farewell fair flower that for a space was lent,
Then ta'en away unto eternity.
Blest babe . . .."
(Anne Bradstreet, "In Memory of My Dear Grandchild Elizabeth Bradstreet, Who Deceased August, 1665, Being a Year and Half Old")
- "I grew up in the South, and Rosa Parks was a hero to me long before I recognized and understood the power and impact that her life embodied. I remember my father telling me about this colored woman who had refused to give up her seat. And in my child's mind, I thought, 'She must be really big.' I thought she must be at least a hundred feet tall. I imagined her being stalwart and strong and carrying a shield to hold back the white folks. And then I grew up and had the esteemed honor of meeting her. And wasn't that a surprise. Here was this petite, almost delicate lady who was the personification of grace and goodness. And I thanked her then. I said, 'Thank you,' for myself and for every colored girl, every colored boy, who didn't have heroes who were celebrated. I thanked her then."
(Oprah Winfrey, Eulogy for Rosa Parks, Oct. 31, 2005)
- "The greatest thing about this man [President George W. Bush] is he's steady. You know where he stands. He believes the same thing Wednesday that he believed on Monday, no matter what happened Tuesday. Events can change; this man's beliefs never will."
(Stephen Colbert, "The Colbert Report")
 Pronunciation: en-CO-me-yum |
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