extol
C1Formal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
To praise someone or something highly and enthusiastically.
To express strong approval or admiration, often in a formal or public manner; to laud, exalt.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Extol" implies a degree of fervour and formality; it is often used in contexts of achievement, virtue, or superior quality. Its object is usually a person, an action, an idea, or a quality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. British English more commonly uses the variant spelling "extoll" (double 'l' in inflections: extolled, extolling), though both "extol" and "extoll" are accepted in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more literary/formal in both varieties.
Frequency
More common in written texts (essays, reviews, speeches) than in casual conversation in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] extol [object][subject] extol [object] as [complement][subject] extol [object] for [quality/reason]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sing someone's praises (a less formal equivalent)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal reports or speeches to praise a company's strategy or an employee's contribution. (e.g., 'The CEO extolled the team's innovative approach.')
Academic
Found in critical essays or historical texts praising a theory, author, or era. (e.g., 'The historian extolled the democratic principles of the period.')
Everyday
Rare in casual talk; might be used humorously or sarcastically. (e.g., 'He never stops extolling the virtues of his new coffee machine.')
Technical
Not typical.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The editorial extolled the chancellor's economic plan.
- He is often extolled as the finest painter of his generation.
American English
- The coach extolled the team's relentless effort.
- Critics extolled the film for its groundbreaking visuals.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher extolled the student's hard work.
- My grandmother always extols the health benefits of gardening.
- The biography extols the leader's personal integrity while acknowledging his political failures.
- Many articles extol the advantages of a plant-based diet.
- The keynote speaker extolled the company's innovative culture as the key to its market dominance.
- Philosophers have long extolled the pursuit of virtue for its own sake.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EX- (out) + TOLL (like a bell ringing out) → ringing out someone's praises loudly.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRAISE IS A LOUD SOUND (extolling rings out praise). PRAISE IS ELEVATION (to exalt).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as "восхвалять" in casual contexts, as it can sound overly formal or sarcastic. "Хвалить" or "превозносить" are closer, but context is key.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect spelling: 'extoll' as base form is a common variant, but 'extoled' (single 'l') is incorrect for the past tense in British English. Confusing with 'extort' (to obtain by force).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'extol' in a formal context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Extol' is a more formal, forceful, and often public synonym for 'praise.' It suggests enthusiastic, high-level commendation.
Yes, 'extoll' is a common variant, particularly in British English, especially for the inflected forms 'extolled' and 'extolling.' The base form 'extol' is more frequent globally.
Yes, like many positive verbs, it can be used sarcastically to imply excessive or undeserved praise (e.g., 'He extols the virtues of a product he's being paid to promote.').
"As" (extol someone as a genius) and "for" (extol someone for their bravery) are common. Sometimes no preposition is used (extol the benefits).