extol

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "extol" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a verb meaning to praise or to honor someone or something highly. Example: The teacher extolled the students for their hard work on the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But if he does want a more equal society he has do more than extol its virtues.

The Guardian - Opinion

The negative bowling tactics they shamelessly employed throughout the final hour, as they persistently bowled well wide of the stumps without penalty, were legitimate enough, but they will deeply offend all those who extol the game's spirit.

The Guardian - Sport

The stallholders insistently extol the virtues of the latter when they notice me and my friend looking on curiously.

The Economist

On December 26th, while survivors of the disaster surveyed the wreckage of their lives, Mr Khamenei found time to extol at length the merits of making the pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Economist

Instead of shaming us, your usual fair, balanced, and non-judgmental opinion would have been preferred.John WalkerScottsdale, ArizonaSIR – For years The Economist has taken every piece of socio-economic good news coming out of the US falling unemployment, rapid economic growth, etc as a reason to extol the virtues of the American model.

The Economist

We both extol the virtues of APEC as a force for proper trade policies.

The Economist

Somehow no one got round to inviting them.This despite the many officials who extol the importance of luring foreign tourists to the capital's millennial celebrations.

The Economist

Many of the messages over the past year appear to be from the head of the Federal Youth Agency Vassily Yakemenko and its spokeswoman Kristina Potupchik.They are shown directing journalists and bloggers to extol Putin's popularity and attack his critics.

The Economist

On June 19th the three held a meeting in London to extol the benefits of closer co-operation.

The Economist

He shows brilliantly how personal unhappiness underlay public success.Like many writers who extol masculine virtues, Kipling seems to have been happiest in the company of women, particularly his sister Trix, but his marriage, which coincided with this departure from India, was not happy.

The Economist

They extol the increasing stability of the economy, the growing power of consumers, the energy and imagination of entrepreneurs.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extol" when you want to express formal or high praise for someone or something, often in writing or public speaking. For instance, "The article extolled the benefits of renewable energy".

Common error

Avoid using "extol" in informal conversations or settings. The word is formal and can sound out of place. Instead of saying "I extolled my friend's cooking skills," use a more casual word like "praised" or "raved about".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "extol" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what or whom is being praised. Ludwig AI and the available examples demonstrate that it connects a subject to the object of their high praise, such as "They extol the increasing stability of the economy."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extol" is a transitive verb used to express high praise or admiration, typically in formal contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the word is considered correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in news, media, and encyclopedic sources, indicating a formal register. When writing, reserve "extol" for situations where you want to convey significant admiration. Related alternatives include "praise highly", "laud", and "glorify". Avoid using it in casual conversations where more informal synonyms might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

praise highly

Emphasizes the act of praising but adds the explicit degree of intensity.

sing the praises of

Uses a more figurative and expressive way to convey strong approval.

laud

A more formal and concise synonym for "extol".

glorify

Implies an even higher level of admiration, often with a sense of reverence.

eulogize

Suggests praising someone, typically after their death.

acclaim

Highlights public and enthusiastic approval.

exalt

Indicates lifting someone or something to a higher status through praise.

hail

Implies a welcoming and celebratory form of praise.

commend

Suggests formal and often official praise for an action or achievement.

celebrate

Focuses on recognizing and enjoying the positive aspects of something, with implied praise.

FAQs

How to use "extol" in a sentence?

You can use "extol" to express strong praise for someone or something. For example, "The critic extolled the actor's performance" or "The book extolled the virtues of a simpler life".

What can I say instead of "extol"?

You can use alternatives like "praise highly", "laud", or "glorify" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "extol the virtues of" or "extol the vice of"?

"Extol" is used to express admiration or praise. Therefore, it's more appropriate to "extol the virtues of" something. You would not typically "extol the vice of" anything, as that would imply praising something negative.

What's the difference between "extol" and "praise"?

While both words mean to express approval, "extol" implies a higher degree of enthusiasm and formality than /s/praise. To "praise" someone is simply to express approval or admiration, while to "extol" someone is to celebrate them with enthusiasm.