extolled
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
Praised enthusiastically and highly.
To speak or write about someone or something with great approval, admiration, or recommendation; to laud or celebrate.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies praising virtues, merits, or achievements. Can be used for both people and abstract concepts (e.g., values, methods).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The past tense/past participle spelling 'extolled' is slightly more common in British English than 'extoled', while 'extoled' is more common in American English, though 'extolled' is standard in both. The verb 'extol' itself is used identically.
Connotations
Identical—formal, literary, strongly positive.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in written, formal contexts in both varieties. No significant usage frequency difference between UK and US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] extolled [NP] (e.g., He extolled her courage.)[NP] extolled [NP] as [NP/AdjP] (e.g., They extolled the method as revolutionary.)[NP] extolled [NP] for [NP/-ing] (e.g., She was extolled for her integrity.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this form; the base verb 'extol' appears in phrases like 'to extol to the skies' (to praise excessively).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal reports or speeches to praise a strategy, employee, or corporate value. (e.g., 'The CEO extolled the new sustainability initiative.')
Academic
Found in literary criticism, history, or philosophy to discuss how a figure or idea was praised. (e.g., 'Renaissance humanists extolled the classical texts.')
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; might be used humorously or for emphasis. (e.g., 'He spent all dinner extolling the virtues of his new air fryer.')
Technical
Not typically used in STEM fields; more common in humanities, arts, and social sciences.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The prime minister extolled the nation's resilience during the crisis.
- Critics have long extolled the film for its groundbreaking cinematography.
American English
- The coach extolled the team's effort after the championship win.
- Many self-help books extol the virtues of waking up early.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No adverb form from 'extolled')
American English
- N/A (No adverb form from 'extolled')
adjective
British English
- The much-extolled benefits of the scheme were now evident.
- He is the oft-extolled hero of the movement.
American English
- The widely-extolled software update finally launched.
- She remains the most extolled figure in the organization's history.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher extolled Maria's excellent project.
- My grandmother always extolled the importance of kindness.
- The reviewer extolled the novel's complex characters and vivid setting.
- Throughout his speech, the mayor extolled the city's cultural diversity.
- Historians have consistently extolled the treaty as a masterstroke of diplomacy.
- The manifesto extolled individual liberty above all other political values.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'EX-TOLL-ed' — Imagine a former (EX) bell TOLLer who was so good at his job that he is highly PRAISED (extolled).
Conceptual Metaphor
PRAISE IS ELEVATION (to lift up in esteem), PRAISE IS A PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as "превозносил" in all contexts, as it can sound excessively lofty. In many contexts, "highly praised" (очень хвалил) is more natural.
- Do not confuse with 'explained' (объяснял) based on phonetic similarity.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'extoled' (less common but acceptable) or 'extold'.
- Using it in an informal context where 'praised' or 'bigged up' would be more suitable.
- Incorrect preposition: 'extolled about' (correct: 'extolled' + direct object).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'extolled' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are accepted, but 'extolled' (with double 'l') is the more common and traditionally preferred spelling in both British and American English, especially in edited writing.
Yes, it can be used ironically or sarcastically to imply that the praise is excessive or unwarranted. (e.g., 'He extolled the dubious merits of his plan.')
'Extolled' is a stronger, more formal, and more emphatic synonym of 'praised'. It suggests lavish, enthusiastic, or public praise, often for virtues or merits.
It is primarily the past tense and past participle form of the verb 'extol'. It can also function as a participial adjective (e.g., 'the much-extolled method').