noun
paean
PEE-un/ˈpiːən/
An enthusiastic expression of praise or tribute.
The speaker delivers an enthusiastic paean to the modest honoree.
Etymology
The Greek hymn was associated with Apollo and seems to have asked for divine aid or given thanks for it. That religious song broadened into a song of triumph and, more generally, an enthusiastic expression of praise.
In context
He came amid a regular tempest of cheers, the seamen joining with the passengers. The officers, led by the Captain waving his cap from the bridge, joined in the paean.
More examples
- The documentary offers a paean to the city's tireless nurses.
- His retirement speech became a heartfelt paean to his coworkers.
- Critics write paeans to her cooking, but I find it disappointing.
Forms
paean · paeans
Similar words
- tribute
- Can express respect through actions or gifts, without enthusiastic praise.
- encomium
- Usually a formal speech or written statement of high praise.