Eulogy in a Sentence Definition
eu·lo·gy | \ ˈyü-lə-jē 
\
Definition of eulogy
1 : a commendatory oration or writing especially in honor of one deceased she delivered the eulogy at his funeral
2 : high praise
Other Words from eulogy
eulogistic \ ˌyü-lə-ˈji-stik \ adjective
eulogistically \ ˌyü-lə-ˈji-sti-k(ə-)lē \ adverb
Synonyms for eulogy
Synonyms
- accolade ,
- citation ,
- commendation ,
- dithyramb ,
- encomium ,
- eulogium ,
- homage ,
- hymn ,
- paean ,
- panegyric ,
- salutation ,
- tribute
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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
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.
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.
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 Sarver ends the eulogy on a more serious note, talking about how Heckmann was proud of his children and grandchildren, while also talking about Heckmann at the end of his life. — Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 10 Nov. 2021 Sarver ended the eulogy on a more serious note, talking about how Heckmann was proud of his children and grandchildren, while also talking about Heckmann at the end of his life. — Duane Rankin, USA TODAY, 10 Nov. 2021 After all, at what point does an agreement that envisions the relocation of an entire human population—now some 121,000 people—become more eulogy than contract? — Julian Aguon, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2021 Al Valenti is spending the weekend writing DeMarco's eulogy, a daunting task, one that will require the sort of focus and determination that the one-time world's greatest fighter brought to the ring. — BostonGlobe.com, 16 Oct. 2021 Ever since that fateful boat ride mixing up the Pattons' romantic dinner with Tanya's tearful eulogy, Shane has found everything about her insufferable — and would probably be annoyed by her death as well. — Christian Holub, EW.com, 13 Aug. 2021 But that wouldn't be accurate, Monsignor Terrance Fleming said during the eulogy at Saint Rita Catholic Church in Valencia Park. — John Wilkens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2021 The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act was top of mind at Wright's funeral with the Rev. Al Sharpton calling for its passage during the eulogy, earning him a standing ovation. — Rick Klein, Averi Harper, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2021 On the day of the funeral, Baneatta's husband, Reginald, will be delivering the eulogy, hoping to prove himself a suitable successor to his father-in-law in the pulpit. — New York Times, 10 Oct. 2021
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'eulogy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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First Known Use of eulogy
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
History and Etymology for eulogy
Middle English euloge, from Medieval Latin eulogium, from Greek eulogia praise, from eu- + -logia -logy
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Cite this Entry
"Eulogy." Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eulogy. Accessed 9 Dec. 2021.
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Eulogy in a Sentence Definition
Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eulogy