Obituary vs. Eulogy — What's the Difference?

A written announcement of someone's death, often including a brief biography.

A speech that offers tribute to someone who has recently passed away.

Serves as a historical record for future generations.

Focuses on the life, accomplishments, and legacy of the deceased.

A public notice in newspapers or online detailing a person's passing.

Often delivered by a close friend or family member.

Often includes key life events, achievements, and family details.

Aims to comfort and inspire the listeners by celebrating the deceased’s life.

An obituary (obit for short) is a news article that reports the recent death of a person, typically along with an account of the person's life and information about the upcoming funeral. In large cities and larger newspapers, obituaries are written only for people considered significant.

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.

A published notice of a death, sometimes with a brief biography of the deceased.

A laudatory speech or written tribute, especially one praising someone who has died.

A brief notice of a person’s death, as published in a newspaper.

High praise or commendation.

A biography of a recently deceased person, written by a journalist and published in a newspaper.

An oration to honor a deceased person, usually at a funeral.

A register of deaths in a monastery.

Speaking highly of someone or something; the act of praising or commending someone or something.

Relating to the death of a person.

A speech or writing in commendation of the character or services of a person; as, a fitting eulogy to worth.

Of or pertaining to the death of a person or persons; as, an obituary notice; obituary poetry.

A formal expression of praise

That which pertains to, or is called forth by, the obit or death of a person; esp., an account of a deceased person.

Can be personal, sharing specific anecdotes and memories.

A notice of the death of a person, published in a newspaper or other periodical, accompanied by a biographical sketch which may be brief ro extended; as, the funeral director arranged placed an obituary in the local papaer.

The section of a newspaper in which obituaries{2} are printed; as, I saw the notice of his death in the obituaries.

A list of the dead, or a register of anniversary days when service is performed for the dead.

A notice of someone's death; usually includes a short biography

A formal record of death and survivorship, usually concise.

To honor and remember the deceased in a personal way.

Typically, a family member or the funeral home.

It serves as an official announcement and record, but it is not legally required.

Yes, if it suits the personality of the deceased and is appropriately respectful.

Yes, typically a family member or a close friend.

Usually between 5 to 10 minutes.

In newspapers and on various online platforms.

Date of death, biographical details, and survivor information.

It can vary, but it is generally respectful and reflective.

Honesty, sincerity, and a genuine reflection of the individual's life and impact.

The family, often with input from the funeral director.

Personal opinions and potentially sensitive or private information.

They typically follow a formulaic structure but can vary slightly.

Primarily, though they may also be delivered at memorials.

Yes, many choose to write it down to help deliver it effectively.