What does eulogy mean?
A eulogy is a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something, most often delivered at a funeral or memorial service in honour of a person who has died. The word derives from Greek roots meaning literally "good words," and this sense of heartfelt, laudatory language runs through all its uses. A good eulogy typically celebrates the deceased's character, achievements, and the impact they had on others, balancing grief with affection and remembrance. Beyond funerals, the word can be applied to any expression of high praise: a review may be called a eulogy for a vanished era, or a retiring colleague may receive a warm eulogy at a farewell dinner. Occasionally it is used ironically to suggest excessive or misplaced admiration. Related forms include the verb "eulogize" (to praise formally), the noun "eulogist" (the person delivering one), and the adjective "eulogistic." It should not be confused with "elegy," which is a mournful poem rather than a spoken tribute.
nounA speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, especially one given in honour of a person who has recently died.
- A speech or writing praising someone, typically delivered at their funeral.
- High praise of a person or thing, used more broadly (sometimes ironically).
"She delivered a moving eulogy at her grandfather's funeral."
"The prime minister delivered the eulogy at the state funeral."
"His speech was less an analysis than a eulogy for the golden age of cinema."
Standard plural; the y changes to ies.
"The book collects the eulogies delivered at his memorial."
"Eulogy" literally means "good words" in Greek — so every time you praise anything enthusiastically, you're technically delivering one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of eulogy
Eulogy comes from the ancient Greek word eulogia, formed from eu- meaning "good" or "well" and -logia from logos, meaning "word" or "speech" — hence literally "good words." It passed into Latin before entering English in the late 16th century. The same Greek root gives English related words such as euphoria, euphemism, and eulogize, while the -logy element appears widely in words like biology and psychology.
Related word forms
How eulogy is actually used
The word is most strongly associated with funerals and memorials, where it carries a warm, reverent connotation. Outside that context it can be used figuratively — sometimes with mild irony — to describe effusive praise. In American usage, "eulogize" commonly means simply to praise highly; British English tends to reserve it for funeral contexts.
Easily confused with eulogy
An elegy is a mournful poem or song for the dead, whereas a eulogy is a speech or written tribute praising the deceased, usually delivered at a funeral.