A Eulogy Praises; an Elegy Mourns
A eulogy is a speech of praise. Its near-twin elegy is a poem of lament, and the two are constantly confused.
A eulogy is a speech or piece of writing in praise of someone, especially at a funeral. Its lookalike *elegy* is a poem of mourning, and the two are unrelated: eulogy is Greek for good speaking, elegy comes from a word for a lament sung to a flute. A eulogy praises the person; an elegy grieves the loss.
- A speech of praise. *Delivered the eulogy.*
- Written praise. *A published eulogy.*
- Elegy — a poem of mourning. *An elegy for the dead.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | eulogy | A moving eulogy. |
| Plural | eulogies | Several eulogies. |
| Verb | eulogise | Eulogise the founder. |
| Confusable | elegy | A famous elegy. |
| Related | panegyric | A formal panegyric. |
How it is used in a sentence
- His son gave the eulogy.A funeral speech.
- Gray's Elegy is a poem, not a speech.Written in a country churchyard.
- A eulogy need not be for the dead.It can praise the living.
Words from *eu-*, good
- Eulogy — good speaking
- Euphemism — good speaking, in the sense of a softer word
- Euphoria — a good feeling
- Euthanasia — a good death
- Eucalyptus — well covered, describing its flower buds
From Greek *eulogia*, praise, from *eu*, well, and *logos*, word. *Elegy* comes from Greek *elegos*, a mournful song.
Eulogy or elegy?
A eulogy praises, usually in prose and often aloud. An elegy mourns, usually in verse.
Can a eulogy be for someone living?
Yes. It means a speech of praise, and funerals are only its most familiar setting.