eulogy
YOO-luh-jee
/ˈjuːlədʒi/
A speech or written passage that praises someone highly, especially a person who has recently died.
Refers specifically to formal words of praise, most commonly delivered at a funeral or memorial service.
The story behind the word. The word comes directly from Ancient Greek 'eulogia', combining 'eu' (meaning good or well) and 'logos' (meaning word or speech). Originally meaning 'good speech' or 'praise', it was adapted into Church Latin and ultimately entered Early Modern English specifically for speeches praising deceased individuals.
Word relationships
- tribute: Tribute is a broader term that can be given to living or deceased people.
- panegyric: Panegyric is more formal and public, often praising a public figure or nation.
- condemnation: Refers to formal, harsh criticism.
- diatribe: A bitter, forceful verbal attack.
Commonly confused with
- elegy: An elegy is a mournful poem or song; a eulogy is a spoken or written speech of praise.
Word family
- eulogize (verb): To praise highly in speech or writing.
- eulogist (noun): A person who delivers a eulogy.
Collocations
- deliver a eulogy
- give a eulogy
- touching eulogy
- heartfelt eulogy
Example sentences
- "Her brother delivered a moving eulogy that brought both laughter and tears to everyone present." Formal memorial
- "The magazine published a heartfelt eulogy honoring the late poet's contributions to literature." Literary tribute
Memory hook
Think of 'eu' (good) + 'logy' (speech, like dialogue). A eulogy is simply speaking good words about someone. Good words spoken for a lost friend.
When not to use
Do not confuse with an obituary (a news notice) or an epitaph (an inscription on a gravestone).
Fun facts
- In Ancient Greece, public eulogies were an essential civic duty at state funerals for fallen soldiers.
Related words
Explore more words
eulogize, panegyric, laud, commendation, eloquent, condolence
Also appears in
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