eulogize
YOO-luh-jahyz
/ˈjuːlədʒaɪz/
To praise highly in a speech or writing, especially someone who has recently died.
Highly formal and almost exclusively associated with memorial services, funerals, or retirement ceremonies where a person's entire life and legacy are reviewed.
The story behind the word. Formed from the Greek roots 'eu-' (well, good) and 'logos' (speech, word). Literally, to eulogize is to 'speak well' of someone. In ancient Greece, it was used for any speech of praise, but over time it became deeply associated with funeral orations.
Word relationships
- praise: Praise is general, while eulogize is a structured, formal tribute, usually for the deceased.
- commemorate: Commemorate means to officially remember an event or person, while eulogize is the specific act of speaking high praise for them.
- vilify: To speak ill of or defame, which is the direct opposite of eulogizing.
- condemn: To express complete disapproval, whereas eulogize expresses ultimate praise.
Commonly confused with
- apologize: Apologize means to express regret for a fault, while eulogize means to praise highly.
Word family
- eulogy (noun): A speech or piece of writing that praises someone highly, typically someone who has just died.
- eulogist (noun): A person who delivers a eulogy.
Collocations
- eulogize the dead
- eulogize the virtues of
- formally eulogize
Example sentences
- "The prime minister rose to eulogize his former colleague, highlighting his decades of public service." A description of a statesman's funeral.
Memory hook
Think of 'eu-' (good) and 'log' (like a dialogue or speech). A eulogy is a good speech about someone. Eulogize = Speak good words.
When not to use
Do not use for casual praise of a living person's minor achievement.
Fun facts
- In early Christian writings, 'eulogia' was sometimes used to refer to the blessed bread of the Eucharist, representing 'blessing' or 'good words'.
Explore more words
eulogy, commemorate, solemnize, condolence, venerate, tribute
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