EXTOLLING

Definition of EXTOLLING

EXTOLLING Verb

Extolling is the present participle of the verb extol, meaning to praise someone or something highly, often in an enthusiastic or public manner. It refers to the act of expressing admiration, approval, or celebration for an individual, a quality, or an achievement.

Praising Highly: When someone is extolling something, they are speaking or writing about it with great admiration and enthusiasm. For example, “The critics were extolling the new film for its stunning visuals and strong performances,” indicates that the film is receiving high praise and commendation for its qualities. Extolling goes beyond casual approval and involves a deeper, more fervent expression of praise.

Public Commendation: Extolling often takes place in public or formal settings, where a person or their achievements are celebrated. For instance, “During the ceremony, the speaker was extolling the contributions of the award recipient,” suggests that the speaker was publicly praising the individual for their outstanding work or efforts, possibly highlighting specific accomplishments.

Admiring Qualities or Actions: The action of extolling can focus on various aspects, such as virtues, skills, or good deeds. “She was extolling her friend’s kindness and generosity,” shows admiration for positive personal traits. Similarly, “The author was extolling the beauty of nature in her writings,” reflects high praise for something non-human, in this case, the natural world.

Cultural and Artistic Recognition: In artistic and cultural contexts, extolling is often used to praise works of art, literature, or performances. For example, “The gallery was extolling the artist’s creativity and innovation,” means that the artist’s work is being celebrated for its artistic significance and impact.

Leadership and Heroism: Extolling can also be directed toward leadership, bravery, or acts of heroism. “The crowd was extolling the firefighter for his courage in saving lives,” exemplifies public admiration for someone’s heroic actions. This verb is often used to acknowledge and honor contributions that have made a significant difference.

Historical and Philosophical Contexts: Throughout history, many philosophers, leaders, and scholars have been extolled for their ideas and contributions. For instance, “Historians continue extolling the achievements of ancient thinkers like Plato and Aristotle,” which highlights how certain figures remain revered for their intellectual legacies.

Religious and Spiritual Contexts: In religious and spiritual contexts, extolling often refers to praising deities or divine qualities. For example, “The congregation was extolling the virtues of compassion and mercy during the service,” shows how extolling can be a form of worship or reverence.

Emotional and Personal Contexts: In personal relationships, extolling someone might involve acknowledging their contributions, sacrifices, or special qualities. “She spent the evening extolling her partner’s support and encouragement,” implies that someone is expressing deep gratitude and admiration for the positive influence in their life.

In conclusion, extolling is the act of expressing high praise, admiration, or approval for a person, achievement, or quality. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from public ceremonies and artistic critique to personal expressions of appreciation and religious devotion. Whether applied to an individual’s virtues, artistic talents, or heroic actions, extolling conveys enthusiastic and heartfelt praise that elevates its subject in the eyes of others.

Examples of EXTOLLING in a sentence

• The critic was extolling the virtues of the new restaurant, praising its innovative dishes and exceptional service.
• During the meeting, the CEO spent considerable time extolling the company’s recent achievements and future plans.
• She kept extolling the benefits of the wellness program, encouraging her colleagues to participate.
• The article was extolling the advantages of adopting renewable energy sources for environmental sustainability.
• His speech was extolling the virtues of hard work and perseverance as keys to success.
• The advertisement was extolling the features of the latest smartphone model to attract potential buyers.
• In his review, he was extolling the book’s engaging narrative and well-developed characters.
• The professor was extolling the significance of early childhood education in shaping future academic success.

Origin of EXTOLLING

The word extolling has its origins in Latin and has evolved through Old French before entering English, relating to the act of praising highly.

• Latin:
  • Extollere (to lift up, exalt)
  • The Latin verb extollere comes from ex- (up) and tollere (to lift or raise). Originally, it meant to lift up or raise, which evolved into the sense of raising in praise or exalting.
• Old French:
  • Extoller (to praise highly)
  • In Old French, extoller adopted the Latin meaning of praising or lifting up, reflecting the idea of speaking highly of someone or something.
• Middle English:
  • Extolling (praising, exaltation)
  • By Middle English, extolling was used to describe the act of praising or speaking highly of someone or something, maintaining the sense from Old French and Latin.
• Modern English:
  • Extolling (highly praising, exalting)
  • In Modern English, extolling describes the act of praising someone or something highly or enthusiastically, reflecting its historical roots in Latin and Old French.

The term extolling has maintained its core meaning of praising highly from its Latin origin in extollere, through Old French, to its current use in English, where it describes the act of offering high praise or exaltation.