Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Encomium

Correct — C. An encomium is a speech or piece of writing that praises someone highly: formal, generous praise.

Its opposite is harsh criticism. Castigation is exactly that, a severe scolding or reprimand. Both are nouns, at the two ends of the praise–blame scale → option (c).

Panegyric, Praise and Tribute all stand on the praise side with encomium.

Why the others are wrong

• (a)
  Panegyric — Panegyric is a public speech or text in praise of someone, a near-exact synonym of encomium. Two rare words side by side are not therefore opposites.
• (b)
  Praise — Praise is the plain-English core of encomium, so it is a synonym. An encomium is praise in a formal, elaborate form.
• (d)
  Tribute — Tribute is a statement or act that shows respect or admiration, as in a tribute to a retiring judge. It sits on the praise side with encomium.

An antonym item asks for the opposite pole of the same scale. Encomium sits at the praise end of the praise–blame scale.

Panegyric, Praise and Tribute sit beside it. Castigation is the lone option at the blame end.

The verb helps if the noun is new to you: to castigate someone is to reprimand them severely, the reverse of delivering an encomium.

Key facts

• An encomium is a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly.
• A panegyric is a public speech or published text in praise of someone or something.
• Castigation means severe criticism or reprimand.
• To castigate is to reprimand someone severely.

Common traps

• Choosing Panegyric because it is the other unfamiliar word in the set, when it means the same as encomium

No directly related past PYQ was found.