Word Smith: Paean
Of the social and political critics out there, few hold my attention. Many of them harp on and on about one topic or another with relentless attacks. I quickly grow weary of the slashing and buring approach to debate and turn to less confrontational articles. One strong voice, with a Democratic tone is Peggy Noonan, with the Wall Street Journal. Her voice can be shrill and biased, but it always seems grounded in keen personal insights, deep historical perspective and wisdom.
The final weekend at the end of 2023, she had been reading Edmund Wilson’s 1940 classic, “To the Finland Station: A Study in the Writing and Acting of History.” In her reflection she used a tribute to French historian Jules Michelet (1798-1874) as a Paean. Looking up that word, it was one I felt I should know.
According to Daily Vocab, “Paean is a joyous song or hymn of praise, tribute, thanksgiving or triumph!” How fitting is that? We could all use the chant of an uplifting crowd singing a song of joy and praise, from time to time.
Examples of the use of the word Paean beyond Noonan’s article include: “The crowd rose to unite their voices in a great paean to liberty!”
Paean is also the word used to reference a work that praises or honors its subject. Synonyms include ENCOMIUM, & TRIBUTE.
Henry E. Hooper 