Words / C2

ik-STOHL/ɪkˈstəʊl/

Extol means praise highly (formal): extol the virtues of, extol her patience. Praise is everyday; laud is a literary cousin. Exalt is raise in rank or idealise — related, not identical. Extol is about words of praise, not promotion. Do not extol a sandwich in a lab report.

Meaning

To praise something highly (formal).

Examples

• “The preface extols the editor’s patience.”
• “The obituary extolled his patience and skipped the missed deadlines.”
• “Ministers extolled “choice” while closing the only local option.”

Good to know

extol + qualities/person (formal praise). Everyday: praise. Mix-up: exalt (raise up / idealise). Noun rare: extolment.

Near in meaning

praise

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