Word: eulogy (noun)

Associations

A eulogy is a speech or piece of writing that praises someone, usually someone who has recently died. It is often given at funerals or memorial services to honor and remember the person’s life and good qualities.

• At a funeral, a close friend might give a eulogy to share stories and praise the deceased.
• A eulogy can also be written in a book or program to celebrate someone's achievements.
• Sometimes, people give eulogies to honor someone who retired or left a group, though this is less common.

Synonym: "tribute" is similar but can be used more broadly to praise someone or something, not only after death. A eulogy is specifically connected to remembering someone who has passed away.

Substitution

Instead of "eulogy," you could say:

• tribute (more general praise)
• memorial speech (more formal, used at funerals)
• panegyric (a formal or elaborate praise, but less common in everyday use)

Each substitution changes the tone or formality slightly. For example, "tribute" can be used for living people, but "eulogy" is usually for the dead.

Deconstruction

The word "eulogy" comes from Greek:

• "eu-" means "good" or "well"
• "-logy" comes from "logos," meaning "speech" or "word" So, "eulogy" literally means "good words" or "good speech."

Inquiry

• Have you ever heard a eulogy at a funeral or memorial? What did you notice about it?
• How would you feel if you had to give a eulogy for someone you loved?
• Can you think of a situation where giving a eulogy might be important besides a funeral?