extol
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “extol” mean?
verb.to praise enthusiastically.
SAT Usage
the term is often found in passages discussing achievements, art, or morality, emphasizing the act of celebrating someone's qualities or accomplishments with fervor. It suggests a level of admiration that goes beyond mere acknowledgment, contrasting with words like "commend," which may imply a more reserved form of praise.
Common Confusions
Extol implies fervent and enthusiastic praise, while commend usually suggests a more moderate or reserved form of acknowledgment.
Do not choose extol if the context emphasizes criticism or disapproval rather than praising enthusiastically.
Example Sentences
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The speech extolled the virtues of civic responsibility.
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Critics extoled the performance for its originality.
Word Parts: How to Remember “extol”
Break “extol” into its parts: ex- (out of, from). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ex-out of, from (Latin)