Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal expression of praise: A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, often in a formal or public setting.
   • A formal expression of praise for someone who has died recently: A speech or piece of writing that praises a person who has recently died, typically delivered at a funeral or memorial service.

Usage and Examples

• General Praise:

  • The retiring CEO received a heartfelt eulogy from the board chairman for his decades of service.
  • The book is a eulogy to the lost art of handwritten letters.

• Funeral Context:

  • Her brother delivered a moving eulogy at the funeral, sharing stories from their childhood.
  • The newspaper published a eulogy for the celebrated author.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "To pronounce/deliver a eulogy on/for someone": To formally give a speech praising someone.
  • The mayor was asked to pronounce a eulogy for the city's founder.
• "To be a eulogy to something": To serve as a tribute or praise for something, often something that is gone or ending.
  • The film is a beautiful eulogy to a bygone era of cinema.

Variants and Related Words

• Eulogize (verb): To praise highly in speech or writing.
  • The speaker eulogized the scientist's contributions to medicine.
• Eulogistic (adjective): Having the nature of a eulogy; full of praise.
  • The article was eulogistic in its description of her achievements.

Synonyms

• Tribute: An act, statement, or gift intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration.
• Panegyric: A public speech or published text in praise of someone or something.
• Encomium: A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly.
• Accolade: An award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit.

Antonyms

• Criticism: The expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
• Denunciation: Public condemnation of someone or something.
• Diatribe: A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Sing someone's/something's eulogy": To praise someone or something enthusiastically, often as if it were a formal tribute.
  • The critics are already singing the eulogy of the new policy, calling it a complete success.
• "A living eulogy": Used to describe high praise given to someone who is still alive, acknowledging their life's work or character.
  • The lifetime achievement award felt like a living eulogy for the aging actor.

Noun

1. a formal expression of praise
2. a formal expression of praise for someone who has died recently