Intro
Extols definition is the short way to ask what the verb extol means and how people use it in speech and writing. If you have heard someone say that a critic extols a performance, they are saying the critic praised it very highly.
Clear, useful, a little formal. That is extols in a nutshell. Read on for origins, real examples, common mistakes, and why the word still matters in 2026.
Table of Contents
What Does Extols Definition Mean?
The extols definition is simple: to extol is to praise someone or something enthusiastically and publicly. The verb often appears in contexts where praise is elevated and emphatic rather than casual.
In modern use you might hear that a reviewer extols a film, or that a speaker extols the virtues of a program. The focus is on high praise, not mild approval.
Authoritative dictionaries define extol in the same way. See Merriam-Webster and Lexico (Oxford) for standard entries and usage notes.
Etymology and Origin of Extols Definition
The extols definition has roots in Latin. Extol comes from the Latin extollere, which is a compound of ex meaning out and tollere meaning to lift up. The image is literal: to lift up, to raise in praise.
English adopted extol via Old French and Latin channels, and by the 16th century extol and its forms were common in literary and religious writing. The word carries that slightly elevated tone you still hear today.
How Extols Definition Is Used in Everyday Language
Extols definition shows up most often in reported speech, reviews, speeches, and formal writing. Here are real-world sample sentences that illustrate tone and placement.
1. The critic extols the director’s vision, calling the film a modern masterpiece.
2. In her speech she extols the hard work of volunteers who rebuilt the community center.
3. The article extols the company for its transparent leadership during a crisis.
4. Readers often extol the book online, leaving glowing reviews across forums.
Notice how extols often pairs with nouns like virtues, achievements, leadership, or craftsmanship. It often signals public recognition rather than a private compliment.
Extols in Different Contexts
Formal: Political speeches and academic writing like formal essays extol qualities rather than merely note them. The tone is elevated, sometimes rhetorical.
Informal: You can hear extols in journalism and feature writing when a writer wants to emphasize admiration. It is less common in casual speech among friends, but not unheard of.
Religious: Sermons and devotional texts often extol virtues and divine attributes. The word fits naturally when praise is reverent or exalted.
Commercial: Marketing copy sometimes uses extol to describe products, but beware. If you overuse extol in advertising it might sound exaggerated or insincere.
Common Misconceptions About Extols
Misconception 1: Extols means to evaluate. Not exactly. Extol implies praise. Evaluation can be neutral or critical; extol usually signals approval and enthusiasm.
Misconception 2: Extols is only for people. Wrong. You can extol an idea, a city, a meal, an innovation, or teamwork. The object of extol can be animate or inanimate.
Misconception 3: Extols is archaic. It can sound formal, sure, but it is still current, especially in journalism, reviews, and speeches where strong praise is intended.
Related Words and Phrases
Extols is part of a family of praise words. To compare, you might use glorify, laud, praise, or celebrate. Each has a slightly different shade. Laud and extol are close in register, while praise is more neutral.
For near synonyms and related definitions see Britannica on praise and commendation. For words that appear alongside extol in examples, check related entries like commend definition and praise meaning on AZDictionary.
Why Extols Matters in 2026
Why care about extols definition in 2026? Words of praise shape reputation and public perception. When a prominent reviewer extols a creator, that statement can influence audiences and markets.
In a media landscape crowded with quick takes, extol still signals a considered, generous appraisal. It matters because it helps readers recognize when language intends to elevate rather than merely inform.
Also, understanding extols helps with clear writing. If you choose extol, you accept a tone. Choose it deliberately, not by default.
Closing
To summarize, the extols definition points to enthusiastic, public praise. It is rooted in Latin imagery of lifting up and remains useful for formal and journalistic contexts.
Use extols when you want to convey strong approval, and consider related verbs for subtler tones. Language is about choices. This is one with a clear, classical pedigree.
Further reading: Merriam-Webster on extol, Oxford on extol. And if you want more on praise and synonyms, visit AZDictionary praise meaning.