Eulogy vs. Necrology — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 24, 2024
A eulogy is a speech praising someone, typically at a funeral, while a necrology lists deceased persons, often with brief biographies.
Difference Between Eulogy and Necrology
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A eulogy is a heartfelt speech or written tribute, often delivered at funerals or memorial services, that praises and remembers the life and virtues of a deceased individual. It is personal and reflective, focusing on the character, achievements, and impact of the person on their family, friends, and community. In contrast, a necrology is more of a factual listing or record, often found in publications, institutions, or religious communities, enumerating individuals who have passed away, sometimes within a specific timeframe, and may include brief biographical details about each person.
While a eulogy serves to honor and commemorate the life of a specific individual, highlighting personal stories, memories, and their unique contributions, a necrology provides a broader, more impersonal overview. It serves as a historical or archival record, tracking the deaths of members of a certain group or community, without the depth of personal reflection typical of a eulogy.
The tone and content of a eulogy are typically emotive and celebratory, aiming to capture the essence of the deceased's life and provide comfort to the bereaved. On the other hand, a necrology is factual and concise, prioritizing the accurate recording of names and dates, and any notable achievements or affiliations of the deceased, without delving into personal anecdotes or emotional tributes.
Eulogies are often crafted and delivered by someone who had a close personal relationship with the deceased, such as a family member, close friend, or colleague, which adds a deeply personal and intimate dimension to the tribute. Necrologies, however, are usually compiled by organizations, institutions, or community leaders and may be published in newsletters, annual reports, or dedicated sections of newspapers or websites.
In essence, while a eulogy is a singular, deeply personal tribute to an individual's life and legacy, a necrology serves as a collective, objective record of individuals who have passed, often within a particular community or over a specific period, providing a historical account rather than personal remembrance.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A speech or written tribute praising a deceased individual, typically at a funeral.
A list of deceased individuals, often including brief biographies, used for archival or record-keeping purposes.
Purpose
To honor and remember the life and contributions of the deceased.
To record and provide an account of individuals who have passed away within a certain community or timeframe.
Content
Personal stories, memories, and reflections on the character and impact of the deceased.
Names, dates, and possibly brief factual biographies or notable achievements of the deceased.
Tone
Emotive, celebratory, and reflective, aiming to provide comfort to the bereaved.
Factual, concise, and impersonal, serving as a historical or archival record.
Delivered/Compiled by
Close relatives, friends, or colleagues of the deceased.
Organizations, institutions, or community leaders for publication or archival purposes.
Compare with Definitions
Eulogy
A tribute speech at funerals.
The eulogy highlighted his generous spirit and kindness.
Necrology
May include brief biographies.
The necrology included a short biography of each member we lost this year.
Eulogy
Personal and heartfelt.
The eulogy was a heartfelt reflection of his profound impact on the community.
Necrology
Lists deceased individuals.
The annual necrology was published in the community newsletter.
Eulogy
Reflects on personal memories.
In her eulogy, she recounted their childhood adventures together.
Necrology
Often found in publications.
The journal's necrology section honored contributors who passed away.
Eulogy
Celebrates the deceased's life.
His eulogy was a moving celebration of her artistic achievements.
Necrology
Impersonal and factual.
The necrology, while factual, reminded us of the contributions of those we've lost.
Eulogy
Offers comfort to the bereaved.
The eulogy brought tears and smiles, reminding all of her vibrant legacy.
Necrology
Serves as a historical record.
The institution's necrology records the passing of its distinguished members.
Eulogy
A eulogy (from εὐλογία, eulogia, Classical Greek, eu for "well" or "true", logia for "words" or "text", together for "praise") is a speech or writing in praise of a person or persons or things, especially one who recently died or retired or as a term of endearment.Eulogies may be given as part of funeral services. In the US, they take place in a funeral home during or after a wake; in the UK they are said during the service, typically at a crematorium or place of worship, before the wake.
Necrology
A list of people who have died, especially in the recent past or during a specific period.
Eulogy
A laudatory speech or written tribute, especially one praising someone who has died.
Necrology
An obituary.
Eulogy
High praise or commendation.
Necrology
A church register containing the names of those connected with the church who have died.
Eulogy
An oration to honor a deceased person, usually at a funeral.
Necrology
A listing of people who have died during a specific period of time.
Eulogy
Speaking highly of someone or something; the act of praising or commending someone or something.
Necrology
A notice of death.
Eulogy
A speech or writing in commendation of the character or services of a person; as, a fitting eulogy to worth.
Eulogies turn into elegies.
Necrology
(uncountable) The study of death or the dead.
Eulogy
A formal expression of praise
Necrology
An account of deaths, or of the dead; a register of deaths; a collection of obituary notices.
Necrology
A notice of someone's death; usually includes a short biography
Necrology
A list of people who died recently
Common Curiosities
What is a necrology?
A necrology is a listing or record of deceased individuals, often including brief biographical details, used for archival purposes or as a historical account.
Where might one find a necrology?
Necrologies can be found in community newsletters, annual reports of institutions, dedicated sections of newspapers, or on websites.
What is a eulogy?
A eulogy is a speech or written tribute that praises and remembers a deceased individual, typically delivered at a funeral or memorial service.
How do eulogies and necrologies differ in content?
Eulogies contain personal stories and reflections, while necrologies list names and dates, sometimes with brief factual biographies.
What is the purpose of a eulogy?
The purpose of a eulogy is to honor, remember, and celebrate the life and legacy of the deceased, providing comfort to those grieving.
Who compiles a necrology?
Necrologies are usually compiled by organizations, institutions, or community leaders for archival or historical purposes.
Can a eulogy be written instead of spoken?
Yes, eulogies can be written and shared as written tributes, especially for those unable to attend the service or who prefer written expression.
Can anyone deliver a eulogy?
While anyone can deliver a eulogy, it's typically done by someone who had a close relationship with the deceased, like a family member or friend.
Is a eulogy always sad?
While eulogies often touch on grief, they also celebrate life and legacy, sharing memories that can bring both tears and smiles.
How should one prepare a eulogy?
Preparing a eulogy involves reflecting on personal memories, the deceased's character, and their impact, aiming to capture their essence in a tribute.
Can a necrology be published online?
Yes, necrologies can be published online, especially on websites of organizations, communities, or institutions.
How detailed are the biographies in a necrology?
The biographies in a necrology are usually brief, focusing on key dates, affiliations, and notable achievements.
Is it common to have multiple eulogies at a funeral?
It's not uncommon for multiple people to deliver eulogies at a funeral, offering different perspectives on the deceased's life.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
