What does eulogize mean?
Eulogize is a formal verb meaning to praise someone or something in the highest terms, whether in an extended speech, a written tribute, or effusive commentary. Its most familiar context is funerary: to eulogize the deceased is to deliver or compose a eulogy honoring their life and character. Beyond memorials, the word applies to any lavish public praise — a critic might eulogize a novelist's achievement, or supporters eulogize a departing leader — though such non-funerary uses often carry a hint of formality, solemnity, or even gentle irony. The verb derives from Greek roots meaning 'good words' (eu- 'good' + logos 'word' or 'speech'), entering English via the noun eulogy in the seventeenth century. Related forms include eulogy, eulogistic, and eulogizer. Because it implies sustained, eloquent commendation rather than casual complimenting, eulogize is best reserved for contexts where the praise is deliberate and significant.
verbTo praise someone or something highly, especially in a formal speech or written tribute; most specifically, to deliver a eulogy for a deceased person.
- To praise someone or something very highly in speech or writing.
- To deliver or compose a eulogy for a deceased person.
"The retiring professor was eulogized by colleagues who credited her with transforming the department."
"Critics eulogized the novel as a masterpiece of modern fiction."
"The pastor eulogized the late senator before a congregation of hundreds."
Eulogize comes from Greek roots meaning literally 'good words' — so every time you use it, you're wishing someone well with language that's over two thousand years old.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of eulogize
Eulogize derives from the Greek noun eulogia, formed from eu- ('good') and logos ('word' or 'speech'), literally 'good words.' The related noun eulogia originally carried religious senses, including a blessing, before English developed 'eulogy' in the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century to mean high praise, later narrowing toward funeral orations. The verb eulogize was formed from this noun, likely in the eighteenth century, following the pattern of other -ize verbs. Cognate words sharing the same Greek roots include eulogy, eulogistic, and eulogium, a Latinized variant.
Related word forms
How eulogize is actually used
Eulogize is formal and elevated in register. While it can describe enthusiastic praise of any kind, its strongest association is with memorial tributes to the dead, so using it for ordinary praise of living people or things can sound ironic or exaggerated. In British English the spelling 'eulogise' is also common. It is almost always used transitively.
Easily confused with eulogize
Apologize means to express regret or make an excuse, while eulogize means to praise someone highly — both end in '-ize' but share no meaning.