paean
/ˈpiːən/
NOUN
1. A hymn of thanksgiving or victory
A chant or song, especially one expressing gratitude for deliverance or celebrating victory, originally associated with Apollo or other ancient Greek deities.
1.1. Religious hymn and chant
A solemn or celebratory religious song performed to honor a deity, express gratitude, or give thanks for protection and deliverance.
Synonyms
- hymn
- chant
- anthem
- psalm
- song of praise
Examples
- The priests chanted a solemn paean to honor Apollo.
- The congregation sang a paean of thanksgiving after the successful harvest.
Related Words
- canticle
- hallelujah
- worship song
- prayer
- invocation
- devotional
1.2. Song celebrating victory
A triumphant song or chant expressing joy, pride, and celebration after winning a battle, competition, or overcoming a challenge.
Synonyms
- victory song
- anthem
- triumphal song
- fight song
- chant
Antonyms
- lament
- dirge
- requiem
Examples
- The soldiers sang a paean to celebrate their victory.
- The supporters raised a joyous paean after their team won the championship.
Related Words
- celebration
- triumph
- jubilation
- acclamation
- rejoicing
- chorus
NOUN
2. An enthusiastic expression of praise
A passionate and enthusiastic expression of admiration, approval, or appreciation for someone or something.
2.1. Enthusiastic praise and admiration
An expression of strong admiration or approval that celebrates the qualities, achievements, or virtues of a person, group, or thing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- censure
- condemnation
- denunciation
- reprimand
- rebuke
- reproof
Examples
- The artist's masterpiece inspired a heartfelt paean from critics around the world.
- The speech was a moving paean to the courage and resilience of ordinary people.
Related Words
- commendation
- compliment
- accolade
- laud
- applause
- honor
- approval
- admiration
- appreciation
2.2. Written tribute or celebration
A literary or public statement that celebrates and praises the achievements, qualities, or significance of a person, idea, work, or institution.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- indictment
- denunciation
- condemnation
- censure
Examples
- The book is a paean to the beauty of the natural world.
- Her latest essay reads as a paean to the importance of artistic freedom.
Related Words
- dedication
- commendation
- homage
- citation
- accolade
- appreciation
VERB
3. To sing or express praise
To sing a paean or express enthusiastic praise and admiration for someone or something.
3.1. Singing a song of praise
To perform a celebratory or religious song expressing gratitude, honor, or admiration.
Synonyms
- sing
- chant
- hymn
- laud
Examples
- The choir paeans to the gods during the annual ceremony.
Related Words
3.2. Expressing enthusiastic admiration
To praise someone or something enthusiastically, often in a public statement, speech, or written tribute.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- criticize
- condemn
- censure
- denounce
- disparage
Examples
- The journalist paeans the achievements of the humanitarian organization.
- The author paeans the enduring beauty of the countryside.