eulogy

noun

eu·​lo·​gy ˈyü-lə-jē 

plural eulogies

1

: a commendatory oration or writing especially in honor of one deceased

she delivered the eulogy at his funeral

2

: high praise

eulogistic

ˌyü-lə-ˈji-stik 

adjective

eulogistically

ˌyü-lə-ˈji-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

Elegy vs. Eulogy

Both elegy and eulogy may be used about writing or speech in remembrance of a person who has passed away, and this semantic overlap creates the potential for confusion. Elegy (which may be traced to the Greek word elegos, “song of mourning”) commonly refers to a song or poem lamenting one who is dead; the word may also refer somewhat figuratively to a nostalgic poem, or to a kind of musical composition. While eulogy is also commonly found referring to words about the deceased, its basic meaning, both in English and in the Greek language from which it was borrowed, is “praise.” Formed from the Greek roots eu “good” and logos “speech,” a eulogy is an encomium given for one who is either living or dead. If you are praising your partner’s unsurpassed beauty or commending the virtues of the deceased at a funeral, you are delivering a eulogy; if you are composing a lamenting reminiscence about a person who has long since passed, you are writing an elegy.

Did you know?

Eulogies Aren't Only for Funerals

With its -logy ending, eulogy means literally something like "good speech". We are told to speak only good of the dead, but a eulogist actually makes a speech in the dead person's honor--or often instead for someone living, who might actually be there in the audience. The most famous eulogies include Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Pericles' funeral oration for the Athenian warriors; but these are only two of the many great eulogies, which continue to be delivered not only at funerals and memorial services but at retirement parties, anniversary parties, and birthday parties.

Synonyms

• accolade
• citation
• commendation
• dithyramb
• encomium
• eulogium
• homage
• hymn
• paean
• panegyric
• salutation
• tribute

Choose the Right Synonym for eulogy

encomium, eulogy, panegyric, tribute, citation mean a formal expression of praise.

encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing.

received encomiums from literary critics

eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person.

delivered the eulogy at the funeral service

panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment.

her lyrical memoir was a panegyric to her mentor

tribute implies deeply felt praise conveyed either through words or through a significant act.

the concert was a musical tribute to the early jazz masters

citation applies to the formal praise of a person offered in a military dispatch or in awarding an honorary degree.

earned a citation for bravery

Examples of eulogy in a Sentence

He delivered a moving eulogy at his father's funeral.

several eulogies were given at the special assembly marking the retirement of the company's longtime president

Recent Examples on the Web

Tight security surrounded the funeral, with armed guards and eulogies were broadcast via loudspeakers. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Teeter gives poignant horseback mourning moments and a tearful eulogy of sorts during the dark drive to Yellowstone. —Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024

Burrow, offering his latest postgame eulogy, admitted the pressure wears on him. —Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 2 Dec. 2024

In his eulogy for his niece, her uncle Timothy Shriver spoke about the expansive family’s close relationship. —Julie Tremaine, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English euloge, from Medieval Latin eulogium, from Greek eulogia praise, from eu- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

eulogy

noun

eu·​lo·​gy ˈyü-lə-jē 

plural eulogies

1

: a formal speech or writing especially in honor of a dead person

2

: high praise

eulogistic

ˌyü-lə-ˈjis-tik 

adjective

eulogistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb