övgü

Övgü is a Turkish noun meaning praise, commendation, or acclaim. It denotes expressions that laud a person, action, or thing, or the act of praising itself. In everyday language, övgü can indicate admiration or high regard; in literary and rhetorical contexts, it refers to formal, laudatory language directed at a patron, ruler, deity, or exemplary figure. In Turkish poetry and prose, övgü often appears in panegyrics and other works intended to honor someone.

Etymology: The word is derived from the verb övmek (to praise) with the abstract-noun suffix -gü, making övgü a native Turkish term. It has parallels in other Turkic languages and has long appeared in classical Turkish and Ottoman literature as a term for panegyric or laudatory discourse.

Usage and forms: Övgü appears as a stand-alone noun and in expressions such as övgü dolu sözler (words of praise) or övgü metni (panegyric text). In historical writing it often describes or composes works celebrating benefactors, rulers, or heroes. In modern Turkish, it can also mean a compliment or a favorable remark.

Related terms: övmek (to praise) is the verbal form; methiye and panegyric are related terms referring to longer praise poems in Turkish tradition. See also eleştiri for contrast with criticism.