eulogy

[yoo-luh-jee]

noun

plural

eulogies 

1. a speech or writing in praise of a person or thing, especially a set oration in honor of a deceased person.

2. high praise or commendation.

eulogy

/ ˈjuːlədʒɪ /

noun

1. a formal speech or piece of writing praising a person or thing, esp a person who has recently died

2. high praise or commendation

eulogy

1. Words of praise, often for a dead person, but also a staple in introducing speakers, in nominating candidates, and on other such occasions. (Compare elegy.)

Confusables Note

See elegy

Word History and Origins

Origin of eulogy¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from Late Latin eulogia eulogia and Medieval Latin eulogium eulogium

Word History and Origins

Origin of eulogy¹

C16: from Late Latin eulogia, from Greek: praise, from _eu- + _-logy ; influenced by Latin ēlogium short saying, inscription

Example Sentences

Keep a box of tissues close by: I was a blubbering mess two minutes in, when Hanks follows Murray’s cold open with one of the eulogies from Candy’s funeral.

Read more on Salon

Mourners filled the cemetery forecourt, with many standing outside the prayer hall in the rain, listening to the service and eulogy over loudspeakers.

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The religious overtones were unmistakable in Joseph Goebbels’ eulogy:

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Not the fact that the president of the United States used a eulogy to divide a fractured nation even further by spewing bile.

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The San Francisco Standard reported the event included prayers, eulogies and placards promoting dialogue.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• citation 
• paean 
• tribute