French Conversation · Level 65
60 words
French word
encenser
Pronunciation
IPA/ɑ̃sɑ̃se/
Meaning
- verbpraise
Example
La critique a encensé le roman.
The critic praised the novel.
More examples
Les internautes ont encensé la journaliste pour son article.
Internet users praised the journalist highly for her article.
Core concept
A panegyric surrounds its target like fragrant smoke, making the praise feel ceremonial and excessive.
Common phrases
encenser quelqu'un
praise someone highly
Similar words
louer: To praise someone by drawing attention to their good qualities.
vanter: To stress the merits of someone or something to promote or recommend it.
féliciter: To praise someone directly in recognition of a success or significant event.
flatter: To flatter someone with praise meant to please them or gain their favor.
Definition in French
Louer quelqu'un ou quelque chose de manière très enthousiaste, parfois de façon hyperbolique ou flagorneuse.
Word origin
The verb encenser was formed from French encens, ultimately from Latin incensum, and its literal incense-related sense gave rise to the figurative sense of praising.
Usage tips
- English incense as a verb usually means 'anger', so it is a false friend of French encenser, which means 'praise enthusiastically'.
Opposites
- dénigrerdisparageverb
Related words
- encenséhighly praisedadjective