extol
ik-STOHL
/ɪkˈstoʊl/
To praise highly or enthusiastically.
Suggests passionate, elevated, and highly enthusiastic praise, often public, and usually directed at virtues, ideas, or achievements.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin prefix 'ex-' (out, upward) and 'tollere' (to lift or raise). Literally, to 'extol' is to lift someone or something up high. Metaphorically, you are raising their reputation to the heavens with your words.
Word relationships
- exalt: Exalt emphasizes raising someone's status or rank, while extol focuses purely on the act of high praise.
- glorify: Glorify often has religious undertones of making something divine, whereas extol is secular high praise.
- deprecate: To express disapproval of, whereas extol expresses high approval.
- disparage: To speak of slightingly or undervalue, which is the opposite of high praise.
Commonly confused with
- exalt: Exalt means to raise in rank or power, while extol means to praise highly.
Word family
- extolment (noun): The act of praising highly.
Collocations
- extol the virtues of
- extol the benefits of
- loudly extol
Example sentences
- "Doctors never tire of extolling the benefits of a balanced diet and regular exercise." A classic essay on health and wellness.
Memory hook
Think of 'extra tall'. When you extol someone's virtues, you make them feel extra tall with your high praise. Extol = Make them extra tall with praise.
When not to use
Avoid using for minor, everyday achievements where a simple 'thank you' or 'good job' is more appropriate.
Fun facts
- The root 'tollere' also gives us the word 'toll' (as in a bridge toll, which was originally a tax raised or lifted from travelers).
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