Eulogy
/ˈjuːlədʒi/
nounC1
Definition
A eulogy is a short talk or text that tells good things about a person who has recently died. It is usually said at a funeral or memorial service to remember the person's life, qualities, and achievements. The purpose is to show respect and share memories with others.
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See It in Action
A speech or writing praising someone who has died
- •The daughter gave a beautiful eulogy at her father's funeral.
- •Many people cried during the eulogy because it was very touching.
- •He wrote a eulogy to honor his friend’s kindness and generosity.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "eulogy" like "speech," but it is a special speech about someone after they have died
- ✓Picture a quiet room where friends and family share stories and kind words about a lost loved one
- ✓It’s the feeling of sadness mixed with respect and love when people remember someone important who passed away
- ✓Sounds like "YOU-lo-gee" → Imagine saying "You" to the person who passed, telling them good things about their life
- ✓Think of movies or TV shows where a character gives a speech that makes everyone remember the good times with the person who died
- ✓NOT like "complaint" (talking about problems), a eulogy only shares positive memories and praise
- ✓NOT like "story" (which can be any tale), a eulogy is always about honoring someone who died
- ✓NOT like "obituary" (a short public notice of death), a eulogy is a personal speech or writing praising the person
Try Other Words
- •Tribute: a statement showing respect or admiration (Use when you want to honor someone, not only at funerals)
- •Homily: a short religious speech (Use in religious contexts, often teaching or moral lessons)
- •Commemoration: an event or speech remembering someone or something (Use when remembering groups or events, not only individuals)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Greek "eu-" (good) + "logy" (speech or word) → literally "good words"
- •Etymology: comes from Greek, meaning praise or good speech about someone
- •Historical development: originally used to mean praise or good talk, later became mainly used for speeches at funerals
- •Modern usage: mostly used to describe speeches or writings honoring someone who died, especially at funerals or memorials
Reflect & Connect
•How do you think giving or hearing a eulogy can help people feel better after losing someone?
•Can a eulogy be given for someone who is still alive? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks
1.A eulogy is usually given ___ a funeral to honor the person who has died.
2.People often feel ___ and reflective when they listen to a eulogy.
3.Unlike a complaint, a eulogy always shares ___ memories and praise.
4.A eulogy is different from an obituary because it is a ___ speech or writing.
5.You might hear a eulogy ___ family members or close friends who knew the person well.
6.A eulogy helps people remember the ___ and good qualities of the person.
7.When someone gives a eulogy, they usually ___ stories and feelings about the person’s life.