Eulogy: meaning, definitions and examples

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eulogy

[ˈjuːlədʒi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

funeral ceremony

A eulogy is a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, typically someone who has just died. It is a formal expression of respect and admiration for a deceased person.

Synonyms

commendation, panegyric, tribute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
eulogy	A formal speech delivered at a funeral or memorial service, praising someone who has recently passed away. She delivered a heartfelt eulogy at her grandfather's funeral.
tribute	An act, statement, or gift meant to show gratitude, respect, or admiration. Can be more informal and used in a wider range of settings, from personal gestures to public acknowledgments. The concert was a tribute to the legendary musician.
commendation	A formal recognition of someone's achievements or qualities, typically given in a professional or official setting. Can often be seen in awards or letters of recommendation. He received a commendation for his outstanding service in the military.
panegyric	A public speech or published text in praise of someone or something, often with elaborate and expressive language. Less commonly used and can appear in literary or historical contexts. The author wrote a panegyric to celebrate the hero's bravery.

Examples of usage

The priest delivered a moving eulogy at the funeral.
She wrote a heartfelt eulogy for her late grandmother.
His eulogy captured the essence of his father's life.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

praise

A eulogy can also refer to any speech or writing that praises someone or something highly, even if the person or thing is not deceased.

Synonyms

accolade, commendation, praise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
eulogy	Used during a funeral or memorial service to honor and remember someone who has passed away. It is a speech or piece of writing praising someone who has died. She delivered a touching eulogy at her grandmother's memorial service. His eulogy captured the essence of his life and his many contributions to the community.
praise	Used in everyday speech to express approval or admiration for someone or something. It is a general term that can be used in a wide range of situations, from casual to formal. The teacher praised the student for her excellent work. They praised the team's efforts in completing the project on time.
accolade	Used to express praise, approval, or admiration for someone, usually in a formal or public way. Often associated with awards or honors. He received the highest accolade in the field of medicine. The film has won numerous accolades from critics.
commendation	Used to formally or officially praise someone for their achievements or good deeds. It’s often associated with an official document or public acknowledgment. She received a commendation for her bravery during the rescue mission. The soldier was honored with a commendation for his service.

Examples of usage

The author's eulogy of the musician's talent was well-received.
He gave a eulogy of her achievements in the field of science.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'eulogy' comes from the Greek word 'eulogía,' meaning 'to speak well of.'
In ancient Greece, eulogies were often delivered during public funerals, emphasizing the importance of honoring the deceased.
Early Christian texts used the term to describe speeches that praised saints or notable figures.

Cultural Practices

Different cultures have unique customs for delivering eulogies, from formal speeches to storytelling traditions.
In some cultures, eulogies may be expressed through poetry, music, or dance, showcasing a diverse way to honor a life.
Eulogies can vary widely in tone, from somber to celebratory, reflecting the personality and wishes of the deceased.

Psychology

Delivering a eulogy can help bring closure to the speaker and the audience, allowing for shared grief and remembrance.
Public speaking about someone who has passed helps in processing emotions, leading to a form of communal healing.
Crafting a eulogy often encourages reflection on personal relationships and the impact of the deceased’s life.

Literature

Eulogies appear frequently in literature, often depicting the deep emotional connections between characters.
Famous literary eulogies include those written for Abraham Lincoln by Walt Whitman and for John Keats by Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Many dramas and poems explore themes of loss, showcasing how eulogies serve as a narrative device to highlight character bonds.

Historical Examples

Martin Luther King Jr.'s eulogy was delivered by Benjamin Mays, highlighting his legacy as a civil rights leader.
Winston Churchill's eulogy for King George VI emphasized the king's dedication to his country during challenging times.
Eulogies for prominent figures in history often reveal societal values and the influence of those individuals on future generations.

Translations

Translations of the word "eulogy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 elogio

🇮🇳 स्तुति (stuti)

🇩🇪 Lobrede

🇮🇩 eulogi

🇺🇦 панегірик

🇵🇱 pochwała

🇯🇵 賛辞 (sanji)

🇫🇷 éloge

🇪🇸 elogio

🇹🇷 övgü

🇰🇷 찬사 (chansa)

🇸🇦 مديح (madīḥ)

🇨🇿 chvála

🇸🇰 pochvala

🇨🇳 颂词 (sòngcí)

🇸🇮 pohvala

🇮🇸 lof

🇰🇿 мадақ (madaq)

🇬🇪 ქება (qeba)

🇦🇿 təqdir

🇲🇽 elogio

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,858, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17855 crucifixion
17856 dextrose
17857 quoth
17858 eulogy
17859 gallbladder
17860 banging
17861 escalating
...