# eulogy

/ˈjuɫədʒi/ (US) · /jˈuːlədʒi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eulogy
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. funeral speech

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a speech given at a funeral to honor and remember the person who died.

For teachers: a formal oration delivered at a funeral or memorial service to honor the life and character of the deceased.

- His brother delivered a moving eulogy that made everyone at the funeral smile through their tears.
- The former president delivered a powerful eulogy, highlighting the senator's lifelong commitment to civil rights and public service.

Usage: Commonly used with the verbs 'deliver', 'give', or 'write'.

### 2. high praise

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something very strongly.

For teachers: a speech or writing in high praise of a person or thing; a commendation or laudation.

- The book is a long eulogy to the beauty of the Italian countryside.
- The CEO's retirement dinner featured a series of eulogies from colleagues who praised her visionary leadership over the last decade.

Usage: Often takes the preposition 'to' when referring to an abstract concept or place.

## Examples

- She delivered a moving eulogy at her grandfather's funeral.
- The former president's eulogy highlighted his lifelong commitment to civil rights and public service.
- Writing a balanced eulogy requires the speaker to navigate the delicate space between honest remembrance and the traditional requirement for celebratory praise.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.