Extol: Mastering the Art of Enthusiastic Praise
Learn about the verb ‘extol’, its meaning, history, and usage. Discover how to use this powerful word to express admiration and approval effectively. Perfect for SAT prep and enhancing your vocabulary.
Imagine you’re at a friend’s art exhibition. As you admire their paintings, you find yourself praising their talent to everyone around you.
Congratulations! You’re extolling your friend’s artistic abilities. Today, we’re exploring the word extol, spelled E-X-T-O-L. Let’s break it down.
Word type: Extol is a verb.
Meaning: To extol means to praise enthusiastically and lavishly. It’s about expressing admiration or approval for someone or something in a highly positive way.
Word history: The word extol has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word extollere, which means to raise up or elevate.
Ex means out or upward, and tollere means to lift or raise. Over time, this physical act of raising something up evolved into the figurative sense of raising someone’s reputation through praise.
Antonyms: Some antonyms of extol include criticize, condemn, disparage, and belittle. These words represent the opposite of praising someone or something.
Synonyms: Synonyms for extol include praise, laud, acclaim, commend, and glorify. These words all convey the idea of speaking highly of someone or something.
Examples used in sentences: Here are a few examples of how to use extol in a sentence: The food critic extolled the chef’s innovative cuisine, calling it a culinary masterpiece.
In her graduation speech, the valedictorian extolled the virtues of hard work and perseverance. The travel brochure extolled the beauty of the tropical island, describing its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Common errors in use: One common mistake when using extol is confusing it with extoll, which is an alternate spelling.
While extoll is acceptable in British English, extol is the preferred spelling in American English and most modern usage.
Another error is using extol with negative qualities. Remember, extol is always used in a positive context.
You wouldn’t extol someone’s faults or shortcomings. To wrap up, extol is a powerful word that expresses enthusiastic praise.
Whether you’re commending a friend’s achievements, praising a book you loved, or describing the wonders of nature, extol adds a touch of eloquence to your vocabulary.
As you prepare for the SAT, remember that understanding and using words like extol can help you express yourself more precisely and effectively in both your writing and speech.
