What is a Eulogy? Meaning, Purpose, and Examples
When someone we love passes away, it’s natural to want to honour their memory — to reflect on who they were, what they meant to us, and how they shaped our lives. That’s where a eulogy comes in.
A eulogy is often one of the last things you may ever write for someone you love — and there’s comfort in getting it right. But it’s not just about the words you choose — it’s about how those words carry in the room, how they touch the people listening, and how they help you find peace in the act of remembrance.
In this guide, we’ll explore what a eulogy is, why it matters, what to include, and how it differs across cultures. We’ll also share examples — including some of history’s most famous eulogies — to help you find the right words when it matters most.
What is a Eulogy?
A eulogy is a speech or piece of writing that pays tribute to someone who has died. It’s typically delivered at a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life event. The word itself comes from the Greek eulogia, meaning “praise” or “good words.”
At its core, a eulogy is about remembering. It captures the essence of a person’s life — not just their achievements, but their spirit, stories, and the memories they leave behind. Whether formal or informal, humorous or heartfelt, a eulogy brings the person to life one last time, through the eyes of those who loved them.
Why is a Eulogy Important?
A well-crafted eulogy serves several important purposes:
Honouring the Deceased: It acknowledges the significance of the person’s life, their character, and their impact on others.
Bringing Comfort: Hearing memories and reflections can bring comfort to those grieving, especially when words feel hard to find.
Celebrating a Life: A eulogy isn’t just about mourning — it celebrates love, laughter, achievements, and connections.
Connecting People: Often, eulogies reveal sides of the person that others didn’t know, creating deeper bonds among family and friends.
Writing a eulogy can be daunting, but it can also be deeply healing. It’s a chance to reflect on what someone meant to you — and to share that meaning with others.
A Brief History of Eulogies
The tradition of delivering eulogies dates back to Ancient Greece, where public speeches praised the deeds of warriors and respected citizens. These early eulogies were formal and often delivered at public funerals.
In Victorian-era Britain, public mourning and the art of the funeral speech became more common, as memorial services grew in significance. Over time, eulogies evolved into more personal, heartfelt reflections rather than grand public addresses.
Today, eulogies are a personal tribute, balancing respect, reflection, and remembrance across cultures and religions.
Famous Eulogies: Summaries and Mini-Analyses
Throughout history, some eulogies have stood out not just for their words, but for how they captured a person's legacy and moved the world. These examples demonstrate the power of a eulogy to comfort, challenge, and inspire.
Here’s a brief summary and analysis of three famous eulogies:
Earl Spencer’s Eulogy for Princess Diana (1997)
Earl Spencer delivered a searing yet heartfelt tribute to his sister, blending family affection with a sharp critique of the media and monarchy. His words resonated around the world for their honesty and emotion.
Mini Analysis:
Introduction: Spencer introduced himself as Diana’s brother, establishing personal closeness and positioning himself as a protector of her legacy.
Personal Memories: He shared reflections on Diana's natural compassion, especially her ability to connect with the vulnerable and overlooked, describing these traits as apparent long before her royal duties.
Qualities and Values: He praised her compassion, duty, beauty, and selflessness, describing her as "the very essence of compassion, of duty, of style, of beauty."
Achievements/Contributions: Spencer acknowledged Diana's humanitarian work but framed it as a natural extension of her personality rather than a duty tied to her status.
Reflection and Farewell: He ended with a powerful commitment to protect her sons and to ensure her spirit was not constrained by institutional expectations.
Barack Obama’s Eulogy for Rev Clementa Pinckney (2015)
President Obama’s speech in the wake of the Charleston church shooting was both a personal tribute and a national reflection on race, history, and unity. The speech became iconic, especially his spontaneous singing of "Amazing Grace."
Mini Analysis:
Introduction: Obama began by situating himself as both President and mourner, recognising the gravity of the national tragedy and his respect for Reverend Pinckney.
Personal Memories: He spoke of Pinckney’s dedication to faith, community, and justice, sharing personal anecdotes about his leadership and integrity.
Qualities and Values: Obama highlighted Pinckney’s grace, humility, and commitment to equality, depicting him as a living example of his faith’s teachings.
Achievements/Contributions: He outlined Pinckney’s work as a pastor, state senator, and advocate for his community, directly linking these to the broader African American struggle for civil rights.
Reflection and Farewell: Obama’s rendition of "Amazing Grace" served as both a farewell and a communal act of healing, uniting grief with hope.
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Eulogy for Mahatma Gandhi (1948)
In his announcement following Gandhi’s assassination, Nehru delivered a speech of profound national mourning, framing Gandhi not just as the father of India but as a beacon of peace and moral guidance.
Mini Analysis:
Introduction: Nehru, as India’s Prime Minister, addressed the nation directly, announcing the tragic news with solemnity and reverence.
Personal Memories: Rather than intimate personal stories, Nehru reflected on Gandhi’s role in shaping India’s identity and destiny.
Qualities and Values: He emphasised Gandhi’s steadfast commitment to truth, non-violence, and moral leadership, portraying him as a guide for humanity.
Achievements/Contributions: Nehru acknowledged Gandhi’s pivotal role in India’s independence and his advocacy for peace and reconciliation.
Reflection and Farewell: His closing remarks expressed not just personal loss but a universal grief, urging the nation to embody Gandhi’s values moving forward.
These examples show that a eulogy can be both intimate and universally resonant, offering lessons not only in remembrance but in how we live and lead.
If you’re now wondering how to shape a eulogy of your own, the good news is that many of the most memorable eulogies — like those above — follow some common elements. Here’s what to include when writing a eulogy that feels both personal and meaningful:
What to Include in a Eulogy
If you're wondering how to start shaping your own eulogy, it helps to follow a simple structure. This doesn’t just make the writing easier — it ensures your words feel balanced, thoughtful, and complete.
There’s no strict formula, but many eulogies follow this gentle structure:
Introduction: State your name and your relationship to the deceased.
Personal Memories: Share stories, experiences, and anecdotes that capture their personality.
Qualities and Values: Reflect on what made them special — their humour, kindness, strength, or quirks.
Achievements or Contributions: If appropriate, mention their passions, career, or community involvement.
Reflection and Farewell: End with a heartfelt goodbye, a quote, or a message of peace.
How to Write a Eulogy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you know what to include, the next step is turning those ideas into a well-shaped speech. Writing a eulogy can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process much easier — and more meaningful.
Reflect and Gather Stories: Think about your relationship and key moments that stood out.
Decide on Tone: Will it be light-hearted, formal, reflective, or a mix?
Create an Outline: Sketch out the flow — introduction, memories, reflections, closing.
Draft Without Pressure: Get your thoughts down without worrying about perfection.
Revise and Refine: Read it aloud and make adjustments for flow and timing.
Practise Reading: This helps with pacing and managing emotions.
💛 Need Help Writing a Full Eulogy?
If you’re unsure where to begin or stuck partway through, we can help. We’ll shape a thoughtful first draft from your memories — or offer gentle guidance on what you’ve written to help you finish with clarity & care.
Tips for Reading a Eulogy Aloud
Writing the eulogy is only part of the challenge — delivering it aloud can feel just as daunting. These practical tips can help you speak with confidence, even if emotions run high.
Print in Large Font: Makes it easier to follow.
Mark Pauses: Use visual cues to remind yourself to breathe.
Speak Slowly: Emotions can speed you up; slow down deliberately.
Have Water Nearby: Staying hydrated helps calm your voice.
Prepare for Emotion: It’s okay to pause, cry, or let someone take over.
When and Where is a Eulogy Delivered?
You might also be wondering when the right time is to share a eulogy — and who it’s usually shared with. Eulogies are typically delivered at:
Funerals
Memorial services
Wakes
Celebration of life ceremonies
They may also be shared informally at family gatherings or anniversary memorials. In some cases, multiple people may deliver short eulogies, each offering a unique perspective on the person’s life.
Cultural and Regional Variations in Eulogies
Not every culture approaches eulogies in the same way. Traditions, customs, and expectations can vary widely depending on where you are and the beliefs of those involved. Here’s how eulogies differ around the world and across faiths:
UK, US, Australia
UK: Respectful and structured with gentle humour.
US: Expressive, emotional, often multiple speakers.
Australia/NZ: Informal, storytelling-focused, relaxed settings.
Around the World
France: Éloge funèbre
Germany: Trauerrede
Spain: Elogio fúnebre
Japan/China: Ritualistic, formal readings.
Religious Variations
Christianity: Welcomes eulogies alongside scripture.
Catholicism: Sometimes restricted to formal remembrance.
Judaism: Focus on virtues in brief remarks.
Islam: Emphasis on prayers, no formal eulogy.
Hinduism: Stories shared post-cremation.
Common Fears About Giving a Eulogy
It’s completely normal to feel nervous about giving a eulogy — especially when emotions are running high. These are some of the most common worries people have, along with gentle reassurances to help ease your mind:
"What if I cry or forget?" — That’s okay.
"I wasn’t close to them." — Reflect on known stories.
"I'm not a good speaker." — Sincerity matters more than delivery.
If you’re concerned, you can write the eulogy and have someone else read it.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
A eulogy typically lasts between 5 to 10 minutes when spoken aloud — about 600 to 1,500 words. It’s enough time to share meaningful stories without losing the attention of those listening.
-
Eulogies are usually delivered by a close family member, friend, or a chosen speaker like a celebrant. It’s more important that the speaker feels comfortable and able to represent the deceased’s memory sincerely.
-
It’s completely normal to become emotional — people understand. Have water nearby, print your speech in large font, and mark natural pauses. If needed, ask someone else to step in partway.
-
Absolutely — humour can be a beautiful way to celebrate someone’s life, especially if they loved to laugh. Just ensure the tone feels respectful and appropriate to the audience and setting.
-
Focus on shared memories, qualities others have shared with you, or the impact they had on their community or family. A eulogy doesn’t have to be deeply personal to be meaningful.
-
Yes. Many people find it easier with guidance or a starting draft. We offer a tribute first draft based on your memories, to help you get started, as well as tribute reviews and feedback if you’ve already written something and want guidance on how to improve it.
Looking for More Inspiration?
Explore our eulogy examples by relationship:
for a Mother | for a Father | for a Wife | for a Husband | for a Son | for a Daughter | for a Sister | for a Brother | for a Partner | for a Spouse | for a Grandmother | for a Grandfather | for a Parent | for a Sibling | for an Aunt | for an Uncle | for a Cousin | for a Stepfather | for a Stepmother | for a Mother-in-Law | for a Father-in-Law | for a Brother-in-Law | for a Sister-in-Law | for a Stepson | for a Stepdaughter | for a Fiancé | for a Godmother | for a Godfather | for a Friend | for a Best Friend | for a Colleague | for a Neighbour | for an Ex-Partner.
💬 Struggling to Begin a Eulogy?
Let Us Start Your Tribute for You — Free
Just share a few memories, and we’ll craft the first 150 words — giving you a clear starting point.
No commitment. No pressure. Just a gentle first step.
A eulogy is one of the most meaningful tributes you can offer. Whether simple or elaborate, it’s your way of saying: “You mattered. And we remember you.”
