Extol vs. Praise — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 8, 2024
Extol is to highly laud or glorify, often with fervor, whereas praise is a broader, more general expression of approval or admiration.
Difference Between Extol and Praise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Extol is used when expressing high admiration or giving lofty compliments, often with enthusiasm and for exceptional qualities. Whereas praise can be given for a wide range of reasons and does not necessarily imply the exceptional nature of the subject.
Extol implies a degree of intensity and often focuses on specific, noteworthy qualities or achievements, while praise can be more general and applied to both extraordinary and ordinary accomplishments. Extol is more likely to be used in formal or elevated contexts, emphasizing the remarkable aspects of the subject. On the other hand, praise is versatile, fitting both casual and formal settings, and can acknowledge both significant achievements and simple, positive attributes.
Extol carries a sense of elevation, setting the subject apart, whereas praise acknowledges value and expresses approval, often encouraging or affirming the recipient.
While both terms involve commendation, extol is about elevating the subject to a high status due to exceptional qualities, and praise is about expressing approval, which can range from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Comparison Chart
Intensity
High, with fervor and admiration
Broad, ranging from mild to strong
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Context
Often used in formal or elevated contexts
Suitable for both casual and formal contexts
Focus
Specific, exceptional qualities or achievements
Can be general or specific, not necessarily exceptional
Implication
Elevates the subject to a high status
Acknowledges value, encourages
Usage Frequency
Less common, more specific
More common, versatile
Compare with Definitions
Extol
To praise highly or exalt.
The critic extolled the artist’s work as a masterpiece.
Praise
To express gratitude or acknowledgment.
The community praised the firefighters for their bravery.
Extol
To elevate someone or something with words.
The leader extolled the hero’s deeds in front of the crowd.
Praise
To acknowledge the positive aspects of.
He praised her cooking, calling it unparalleled.
Extol
To express admiration in lofty terms.
The poet extolled the beauty of nature in his verses.
Praise
To express approval or admiration of.
The teacher praised the student’s progress.
Extol
To acclaim or honor in a fervent manner.
She was extolled for her groundbreaking research.
Praise
To celebrate or speak highly of.
The novel was widely praised by critics.
Extol
To glorify or laud enthusiastically.
They extolled the virtues of the new policy in the meeting.
Praise
To commend or applaud someone’s efforts.
They praised his dedication to the project.
Extol
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Praise
Praise as a form of social interaction expresses recognition, reassurance or admiration. Praise is expressed verbally as well as by body language (facial expression and gestures).
Extol
Praise enthusiastically
He extolled the virtues of the Russian peoples
Praise
Express warm approval or admiration of
We can't praise Chris enough—he did a brilliant job
Extol
To praise highly; exalt.
Praise
Express one's respect and gratitude towards (a deity), especially in song
We praise God for past blessings
Extol
To praise; to make high.
Praise
The expression of approval or admiration for someone or something
The audience was full of praise for the whole production
Extol
To place on high; to lift up; to elevate.
Who extolled you in the half-crown boxes,Where you might sit and muster all the beauties.
Praise
The expression of respect and gratitude as an act of worship
Give praise to God
Extol
To elevate by praise; to eulogize; to praise; to magnify; as, to extol virtue; to extol an act or a person.
Wherein have I so deserved of you,That you extol me thus?
Praise
Expression of approval, commendation, or admiration.
Extol
Praise, glorify, or honor;
Extol the virtues of one's children
Glorify one's spouse's cooking
Praise
The extolling or exaltation of a deity, ruler, or hero.
Praise
(Archaic) A reason for praise; merit.
Praise
To express warm approval of, commendation for, or admiration for.
Praise
To express a feeling of veneration or gratitude to (a deity); worship or glorify.
Praise
Commendation; favourable representation in words.
The writer's latest novel received great praise in the media.
You deserve praise for the hard work you've done recently.
She gave them some faint praise for their assignments, despite not being totally convinced by the quality.
Dim praise
Praise
Worship.
Praise of God
Praise
To give praise to; to commend, glorify, or worship.
Be sure to praise Bobby for his excellent work at school this week.
Some of the passengers were heard praising God as the stricken plane landed safely.
Praise
To commend; to applaud; to express approbation of; to laud; - applied to a person or his acts.
Let her own works praise her in the gates.
We praise not Hector, though his name, we know,Is great in arms; 't is hard to praise a foe.
Praise
To extol in words or song; to magnify; to glorify on account of perfections or excellent works; to do honor to; to display the excellence of; - applied especially to the Divine Being.
Praise ye him, all his angels; praise ye him, all his hosts!
Praise
To value; to appraise.
Praise
Commendation for worth; approval expressed; honor rendered because of excellence or worth; laudation; approbation.
There are men who always confound the praise of goodness with the practice.
Praise
Especially, the joyful tribute of gratitude or homage rendered to the Divine Being; the act of glorifying or extolling the Creator; worship, particularly worship by song, distinction from prayer and other acts of worship; as, a service of praise.
Praise
The object, ground, or reason of praise.
He is thy praise, and he is thy God.
Praise
An expression of approval and commendation;
He always appreciated praise for his work
Praise
Offering words of homage as an act of worship;
They sang a hymn of praise to God
Praise
Express approval of;
The parents praised their children for their academic performance
Common Curiosities
Can extol and praise be used interchangeably?
While they are related, they are not always interchangeable due to the intensity and context differences; extol is more intense and specific.
Can praise be used in a negative context?
Yes, in some cases, praise can be used sarcastically or insincerely, unlike extol, which is almost always positive.
Is extol only used for people?
No, extol can be used for anything worthy of high admiration, including people, achievements, and objects.
What is the main difference between extol and praise?
Extol involves high admiration or fervent glorification, typically for exceptional qualities, while praise is a more general expression of approval.
Why is extol considered more formal than praise?
Extol often appears in elevated or formal discourse due to its association with high admiration and specific, exceptional qualities.
Is it common to use extol in everyday conversation?
Extol is less common in casual conversation and more likely found in formal or literary contexts.
Can praise motivate people?
Yes, praise is often used to encourage and motivate by acknowledging and appreciating someone's efforts or qualities.
Is praise always spoken?
Praise can be expressed verbally, in writing, or through actions that show approval or admiration.
Do extol and praise have the same impact on the recipient?
The impact can vary; extol might be more impactful due to its intensity and focus on exceptional qualities, whereas praise is encouraging and affirming.
Is it appropriate to use extol in a professional setting?
Yes, particularly when acknowledging extraordinary achievements or qualities in a formal manner.
Can praise be considered a form of feedback?
Yes, praise is a positive form of feedback that recognizes and affirms someone's actions or achievements.
Does extolling someone always involve exaggeration?
Not necessarily; while extol is enthusiastic, it can be based on genuine admiration for real qualities or achievements.
Does extol imply a longer duration of admiration than praise?
Not necessarily; both can reflect a momentary or sustained admiration, but extol emphasizes the high degree of admiration.
Are there situations where praise is more effective than extol?
Yes, in everyday achievements or when encouraging effort and improvement, praise is often more relatable and effective than the loftier extol.
Can extol have a religious connotation?
Yes, in religious contexts, extol is often used to glorify or worship a deity with high praise.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
