Definition

1. Verb:
   • To praise someone or something, especially a person who has died, in a formal, public, and eloquent speech or piece of writing. It involves speaking or writing about their virtues, achievements, or good qualities in a highly complimentary manner.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • The principal eulogised the retiring teacher for her decades of dedication to the school.
  • At the memorial service, several friends stood up to eulogise his kindness and generosity.
  • The biography eulogises the scientist's contributions, perhaps overlooking some of his flaws.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Context: The word is most commonly used in the context of funerals, memorials, or formal tributes. However, it can also be used more broadly for any highly formal and elaborate praise.
  • The article didn't just review the book; it eulogised it as a masterpiece of modern literature.
• Tone: "Eulogise" often implies a tone of reverence and solemnity, but it can sometimes carry a slight nuance of excessive or uncritical praise.
  • The documentary eulogises the former leader to such an extent that it feels like propaganda.

Variants and Related Words

• Eulogize: The preferred spelling in American English.
• Eulogy (noun): The speech or piece of writing that praises someone, typically someone who has recently died.
  • He delivered a moving eulogy for his father.
• Eulogist (noun): A person who delivers a eulogy.

Synonyms

• Extol: To praise enthusiastically.
• Laud: To praise highly, especially in a public context.
• Acclaim: To praise publicly and enthusiastically.
• Panegyrize (formal): To deliver a formal public speech of praise.

Antonyms

• Criticise / Criticize: To indicate the faults of someone or something.
• Denigrate: To criticize unfairly; to disparage.
• Vilify: To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To sing someone's praises: To praise someone enthusiastically and publicly. (This is a less formal equivalent).
  • After the successful project, the manager was singing her praises to the entire company.
• To pay tribute to: To express admiration or respect for someone, often publicly. (This is a broader, more common phrase).
  • The ceremony paid tribute to the fallen heroes.

Verb

1. praise formally and eloquently
   • The dead woman was eulogized at the funeral