eulogy
YOO-luh-jee
/ˈjuːlədʒi/
A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, typically someone who has just died.
While usually for the dead, it can be a 'eulogy for a living person' at a retirement, though this is less common.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'eulogia,' meaning 'good words' or 'fine speaking.' It is the literal act of speaking well of someone.
Word relationships
- panegyric: A panegyric is even more formal and elaborate, often praising a public figure or an idea.
- tribute: A tribute can be a song or a statue; a eulogy is specifically a speech or text of praise.
- criticism: The expression of disapproval.
- vilification: Abusively disparaging speech.
Commonly confused with
- elegy: An elegy is a sad poem or song for the dead; a eulogy is a speech of praise.
Word family
- eulogize (verb): To praise highly in a speech or writing.
Collocations
- deliver a eulogy
- fitting eulogy
- glowing eulogy
Example sentences
- "His daughter delivered a moving eulogy that captured his sense of humor perfectly." A funeral setting.
- "The book is less of a biography and more of a glowing eulogy for a lost era." A literary critique.
Memory hook
A 'Eulogy' is a 'Good-logy' (Good words). Good words for the gone.
When not to use
Don't call a quick 'thank you' note a eulogy.
Fun facts
- In ancient Greece, a 'eulogia' was also a term for a blessing or a gift of bread.
Related words
Explore more words
eulogize, panegyric, laud, commendation, eloquent, condolence
Also appears in
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