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A2 verb #4,000 most common 9 min read

elogiar

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips elogiar in 30 Seconds

Explanation elogiar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe things you like. While 'elogiar' might be a bit advanced for a complete beginner, you can think of it as a 'big brother' to the word 'gustar'. When you say you like something, you are starting the process of praise. At this stage, you should focus on the basic meaning: to say something very good about a person or a thing. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Yo elogio la comida' (I praise the food), although a native would likely just say 'La comida está muy buena'. The goal for A1 is simply to recognize the word when you see it in a simple text and understand that it involves positive feedback.

At the A2 level, you are building your vocabulary to include more specific verbs. 'Elogiar' is a perfect addition because it allows you to move beyond basic adjectives. You can now use it to describe social interactions. For example, you can talk about a teacher praising a student or a parent praising a child. You should focus on the regular conjugation of the verb in the present tense (yo elogio, tú elogias, él elogia, etc.) and remember to use the personal 'a' when praising a person. At this level, you can also start using the preposition 'por' to explain the reason for the praise, such as 'Elogio a mi amigo por su ayuda'.

By B1, you are expected to handle more complex social and professional situations. 'Elogiar' becomes very useful in work contexts. You might need to describe a meeting where a project was successful or write a short email thanking a colleague. You should be comfortable using 'elogiar' in various tenses, including the past (pretérito indefinido and imperfecto) and the future. You can also start using the noun form 'elogio'. A B1 learner should understand the difference between 'elogiar' and 'felicitar' and know that 'elogiar' is slightly more formal and focuses on character or quality rather than just a specific event.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'elogiar' to express nuances in opinion and argument. You will encounter this word frequently in news articles, literature, and formal debates. You should be able to use it in passive constructions (e.g., 'El autor fue elogiado por su estilo único') and understand its role in critical analysis. At this stage, you should also be aware of synonyms like 'encomiar' or 'ensalzar' and choose 'elogiar' as the balanced, standard choice for formal praise. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts, such as praising a government's policy or a company's ethics.

At the C1 level, you are refining your 'register'. You know that 'elogiar' is a high-register word and you use it to add authority to your speech or writing. You can use it to analyze the rhetoric of others—for example, discussing how a politician 'elogia' certain values to gain votes. You should also be familiar with the idiomatic uses and the subtle difference between 'elogiar' and 'adular' (to flatter). A C1 learner can use 'elogiar' in complex sentences involving the subjunctive, such as 'Es sorprendente que lo elogien tanto después de lo que hizo', showing a deep understanding of both grammar and social context.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the word. You understand its historical roots and can use it in literary or highly academic contexts. You might use it to write a 'panegírico' or a formal critique where you balance 'elogios' with 'críticas'. You are also aware of very rare synonyms like 'loar' and can appreciate the stylistic choice of using one over the other. For a C2 speaker, 'elogiar' is not just a verb but a tool for nuanced social and intellectual expression, used with perfect precision in both tone and grammar.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

elogiar in 30 Seconds

Elogiar is a regular -ar verb in Spanish meaning 'to praise' or 'to commend' someone or something highly.
It is more formal than 'decir algo bueno' and is frequently used in professional, academic, and artistic reviews.
The verb requires the personal 'a' when the object is a person and often uses 'por' to explain the reason.
Common synonyms include alabar, ensalzar, and encomiar, while the most direct antonym is criticar.

The Spanish verb elogiar is a sophisticated and essential term in the Spanish lexicon, primarily used to express high praise, commendation, or admiration for someone's qualities, actions, or achievements. While everyday conversation might rely on simpler phrases like 'decir cosas buenas' (to say good things) or 'hablar bien de' (to speak well of), elogiar elevates the discourse, suggesting a more formal, sincere, or public recognition of merit. It is derived from the noun 'elogio' (praise/eulogy), which traces its roots back to the Latin 'elogium'. Understanding when to use this word involves recognizing the context of the appreciation being shown.

Professional Recognition: In a corporate or academic setting, a supervisor might elogiar an employee's dedication during a performance review. For example, 'El jefe decidió elogiar públicamente el proyecto de Innovación'. This implies a level of official endorsement that goes beyond a mere 'thank you'.

Cultural nuances play a significant role in how elogiar is perceived across the Spanish-speaking world. In many Hispanic cultures, public praise is deeply valued as it builds 'honor' and 'prestigio'. However, the speaker must be careful not to cross the line into 'adulación' (flattery), which often carries a negative connotation of insincerity or having an ulterior motive. Elogiar is generally perceived as honest and deserved.

Es fundamental elogiar el esfuerzo de los niños para fomentar su confianza y crecimiento personal.

Artistic and Literary Criticism: Critics often use this verb when reviewing films, books, or art exhibitions. If a critic 'elogia' a work, it means they are highlighting its technical mastery or emotional impact. It is a staple verb in journalism and essays.

Furthermore, the act of elogiar serves as a social lubricant in diplomatic and formal social gatherings. In these contexts, praising a host's hospitality or a colleague's speech is not just polite but expected. The word carries a weight of authority; when a respected figure elogia a newcomer, it serves as a powerful recommendation. In literature, poets have used this verb to celebrate nature, love, and heroism for centuries, making it a word rich with historical and emotional resonance. Whether you are in a boardroom in Madrid or a family dinner in Mexico City, knowing how and when to elogiar will significantly enhance your communicative competence in Spanish.

Mastering the use of elogiar requires an understanding of its grammatical structure and the typical contexts in which it appears. As a regular -ar verb, its conjugation follows the standard pattern, making it relatively easy for A2 learners to integrate into their speech. However, its placement and the prepositions that often accompany it are key to sounding natural. Usually, the structure is simple: [Subject] + [Conjugated Elogiar] + [Object].

Direct Object Usage: When praising a person directly, use the personal 'a'. Example: 'Los profesores elogiaron a los estudiantes por su excelente comportamiento durante el viaje'. Without the 'a', the sentence would feel grammatically incomplete in Spanish.

One common way to expand a sentence with elogiar is to explain why the praise is being given. This is typically done using the preposition por (for/because of). For instance, 'Ella fue elogiada por su valentía' (She was praised for her courage). This construction is incredibly common in news reports and formal biographies. It allows the speaker to link the action of praising to a specific virtue or achievement.

No pierdas la oportunidad de elogiar el talento de tus compañeros; eso crea un mejor ambiente de trabajo.

Passive Voice Constructions: In formal writing, you will often see the passive voice: 'La película fue elogiada por la crítica internacional'. This shifts the focus from the critics to the film itself, emphasizing the widespread nature of the acclaim.

Additionally, elogiar can be used in the infinitive as a subject or part of a verbal periphrasis. 'Elogiar en exceso puede parecer falso' (Praising excessively can seem fake). Here, the verb functions almost like a noun, representing the concept of giving praise. You might also hear it in the present continuous to describe an ongoing action: 'Están elogiando su nueva novela en todos los periódicos'. By varying the tense and structure, you can express everything from a quick compliment to a sustained campaign of public recognition. The verb's versatility makes it a powerful tool for any Spanish speaker looking to express positivity and respect.

While you might not hear elogiar every five minutes in a casual street conversation in Madrid or Buenos Aires, it is omnipresent in specific high-value environments. Understanding these domains will help you recognize the word's weight and importance. It is a word of 'prestigio', often found where excellence is being discussed or celebrated.

The Media and Journalism: Newspapers like El País or La Nación frequently use elogiar in their culture and politics sections. Headlines such as 'La comunidad internacional elogia el acuerdo de paz' are common. It conveys a sense of official approval that 'gustar' (to like) simply cannot match.

In the world of sports, commentators use elogiar to describe the performance of athletes. After a major match, a coach might spend the entire press conference 'elogiando' the teamwork of their players. Listen for it in post-game interviews: 'El entrenador no dejó de elogiar la defensa del equipo'. Here, it highlights professional respect between athletes and their mentors.

Durante la entrega de premios, el director subió al escenario para elogiar a todo su equipo técnico.

Academic and Formal Events: At graduation ceremonies, weddings, or funerals (as a 'panegírico'), speakers use elogiar to recount the virtues of the person being honored. It is the standard verb for formal tributes. If you attend a 'homenaje' (tribute), you will hear this word repeatedly.

Finally, in the workplace, elogiar is the verb of choice for human resources and leadership training. It is often discussed as a management tool: 'La importancia de elogiar a los empleados para mejorar la productividad'. In this context, it isn't just about being nice; it's about a strategic use of positive reinforcement. By paying attention to these specific areas—media, sports, ceremonies, and professional development—you will begin to notice how elogiar functions as a marker of high-level Spanish communication.

Even though elogiar is a regular verb, learners often stumble over its usage due to interference from English or confusion with similar-sounding Spanish words. Avoiding these pitfalls is crucial for moving from a basic to an intermediate level of fluency. The most frequent errors involve preposition use, confusion with synonyms, and spelling slips.

The 'Personal A' Omission: English speakers often say 'Yo elogio mi hermano' instead of the correct 'Yo elogio a mi hermano'. In Spanish, when the direct object is a specific person, the 'a' is mandatory. Omitting it is one of the most common markers of a non-native speaker.

Another common mistake is confusing elogiar with elegir (to choose). Because the first four letters are almost identical, students often write 'El jefe elogió al nuevo empleado' when they mean 'The boss chose the new employee' (El jefe eligió...). This can lead to significant misunderstandings in a professional context. One trick to remember the difference is that elogiar has an 'o' like 'honor', while elegir has an 'i' like 'individual choice'.

Es un error común confundir elogiar con adular; el primero es sincero, el segundo suele ser interesado.

Overusing 'Alabar': While 'alabar' also means to praise, it often carries a religious or extremely intense connotation (to worship). If you use 'alabar' to describe a coworker's PowerPoint presentation, it might sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. Use elogiar for standard professional or social praise.

Lastly, be careful with the preposition that follows the verb. While in English we 'praise someone for something', in Spanish we 'elogiar a alguien por algo'. Some learners mistakenly use 'para' or 'de'. Example: 'Lo elogiaron por su trabajo', not 'para su trabajo'. Paying attention to these small details will make your Spanish sound much more authentic and polished. Practice these distinctions, and you will find that elogiar becomes a natural part of your vocabulary.

Spanish is a language rich in synonyms, and elogiar is part of a large family of verbs that deal with expressing positive opinions. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey. Here we compare elogiar with its closest relatives to help you choose the perfect word for every situation.

Elogiar vs. Alabar: Elogiar is professional, intellectual, and formal. Alabar is more emotional and often religious. You alabar God or a hero; you elogiar a colleague's report or a writer's style. Use 'alabar' when the praise is exceptionally high or spiritual.
Elogiar vs. Encomiar: Encomiar is even more formal than elogiar. It is typically found in high-level literature or very formal speeches. If elogiar is a 7/10 on the formality scale, encomiar is a 10/10. It implies a very detailed and structured praise.

For more casual settings, you might use felicitar (to congratulate) or simply hablar bien de. While elogiar is about the qualities of the person, felicitar is about a specific event or achievement. If your friend wins a race, you felicitar them. If you are discussing why they are such a great athlete in general, you elogiar their discipline.

A veces es mejor ensalzar las virtudes ajenas que señalar sus defectos.

Ensalzar and Loar: Ensalzar means to exalt or magnify. It suggests making someone's virtues seem even greater. Loar is an archaic or poetic synonym for 'praise'. You will mostly see 'loar' in classic Spanish literature like Don Quijote.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to avoid repetition in your writing. If you have already used elogiar in one paragraph, you might switch to destacar (to highlight) or aplaudir (to applaud/approve) in the next. This variety is the hallmark of an advanced speaker. By mapping out these synonyms, you not only learn one word but an entire conceptual field of positive expression in Spanish.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"El comité desea elogiar su ejemplar trayectoria profesional."

Neutral

"El profesor elogió mi ensayo delante de la clase."

Informal

"Mis amigos me elogiaron mucho por la cena que preparé."

Child friendly

"¡Qué bien lo has hecho! Te elogio por ser tan valiente."

Slang

"Me echó un montón de flores (instead of elogió)."

Fun Fact

The Latin 'elogium' itself might be a hybrid of the Greek 'elegia' (elegy) and the Latin 'eligo' (to select), suggesting that an elogio is a 'selected' statement of truth about a person.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /e.loˈxjaɾ/

US /e.loˈhjaɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable: e-lo-GIAR.

Rhymes With

estudiar cambiar enviar confiar limpiar anunciar apreciar asociar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'g' like the English 'g' in 'go'. In Spanish 'gi' is always a raspy 'h' sound.
Stressing the second syllable (e-LO-giar) instead of the last.
Failing to blend the 'i' and 'a' into a single syllable (diphthong).
Confusing the 'g' for a 'j' sound (though they sound the same, the spelling is specific).
Nasalizing the 'e' at the beginning.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to its similarity to the English root of 'eulogy'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'g' spelling and the personal 'a' preposition.

Speaking 3/5

The 'g' sound can be tricky for beginners to pronounce correctly.

Listening 2/5

Clearly articulated in formal speech, which is where it most often appears.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

gustar bien decir bueno amigo

Learn Next

encomiar ensalzar felicitar admirar reconocer

Advanced

panegírico apología lauda loable exaltación

Grammar to Know

Personal 'a'

Elogio **a** mi madre.

Regular -ar verb conjugation

Nosotros elogi**amos**.

Use of 'por' for cause

Te elogio **por** tu paciencia.

Passive voice with 'ser'

El libro **fue elogiado**.

Direct object pronouns

Ella **lo** elogió (He was praised by her).

Examples by Level

Yo elogio tu dibujo.

I praise your drawing.

Simple present tense with direct object.

Ella elogia la sopa.

She praises the soup.

Third person singular present.

Nosotros elogiamos el sol.

We praise the sun.

First person plural present.

Tú elogias a tu perro.

You praise your dog.

Use of personal 'a' with an animal treated as a person.

Ellos elogian el libro.

They praise the book.

Third person plural present.

El profesor elogia mi trabajo.

The teacher praises my work.

Subject-Verb-Object structure.

Me gusta elogiar a mis amigos.

I like to praise my friends.

Infinitive after 'gustar'.

Siempre elogias la música.

You always praise the music.

Use of frequency adverb 'siempre'.

El jefe elogió a María por su idea.

The boss praised Maria for her idea.

Pretérito indefinido with 'por' for reason.

Mis padres me elogiaron mucho ayer.

My parents praised me a lot yesterday.

Direct object pronoun 'me' before the verb.

Es bueno elogiar el esfuerzo de los demás.

It is good to praise the effort of others.

Impersonal expression 'es bueno' + infinitive.

Los críticos elogian la nueva película.

The critics praise the new movie.

Present tense used for general facts/reviews.

Ella siempre elogia a su hermana menor.

She always praises her younger sister.

Personal 'a' used for a family member.

Elogiamos el servicio del restaurante.

We praised the service of the restaurant.

Past tense 'nosotros' form.

No debes elogiar a alguien si no eres sincero.

You should not praise someone if you are not sincere.

Modal verb 'deber' + infinitive.

El público elogió al cantante después del concierto.

The audience praised the singer after the concert.

Personal 'a' with a professional title.

Si trabajas duro, el director te elogiará.

If you work hard, the director will praise you.

Future tense 'elogiará'.

Fue elogiado por su contribución a la ciencia.

He was praised for his contribution to science.

Passive voice 'fue elogiado'.

Me sentí muy bien cuando elogiaron mi presentación.

I felt very good when they praised my presentation.

Past tense in a subordinate clause.

Es importante elogiar tanto como corregir.

It is important to praise as much as to correct.

Comparative structure 'tanto como'.

Muchos autores elogiaron su primera novela.

Many authors praised his first novel.

Indefinite past tense.

Siempre está elogiando las virtudes de su país.

He is always praising the virtues of his country.

Present continuous to show habit.

Espero que mi jefe elogie mi dedicación.

I hope my boss praises my dedication.

Present subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

La prensa elogió la rapidez de la respuesta.

The press praised the speed of the response.

Collective noun 'la prensa' as subject.

El discurso fue diseñado para elogiar la trayectoria del héroe.

The speech was designed to praise the hero's career.

Infinitive of purpose after 'para'.

Aunque lo elogien, él se mantiene humilde.

Even if they praise him, he remains humble.

Subjunctive after 'aunque' for hypothetical/concessive.

Elogiar en público y corregir en privado es una regla de oro.

Praising in public and correcting in private is a golden rule.

Verbs used as nouns in a general maxim.

La crítica no ha dejado de elogiar su actuación.

The critics haven't stopped praising her performance.

Present perfect with 'dejar de' periphrasis.

Se dedica a elogiar a todo aquel que pueda ayudarle.

He spends his time praising anyone who can help him.

Reflexive 'se dedica a' + infinitive.

El informe elogia la eficiencia del nuevo sistema.

The report praises the efficiency of the new system.

Inanimate subject 'el informe'.

Habría sido justo elogiar también a los asistentes.

It would have been fair to also praise the assistants.

Conditional perfect with 'ser justo'.

No escatimó palabras para elogiar a su mentor.

He didn't spare any words to praise his mentor.

Idiomatic 'no escatimar palabras'.

Su capacidad para elogiar sin caer en la adulación es admirable.

His ability to praise without falling into flattery is admirable.

Noun 'capacidad' followed by 'para' + infinitive.

Resulta paradójico que elogien su austeridad mientras vive con lujos.

It is paradoxical that they praise his austerity while he lives in luxury.

Subjunctive after 'resulta paradójico que'.

El orador se deshizo en elogios hacia la labor humanitaria.

The speaker went out of his way to praise the humanitarian work.

Idiomatic 'deshacerse en elogios'.

Elogiar la mediocridad solo conduce al estancamiento.

Praising mediocrity only leads to stagnation.

Infinitive as a subject in a philosophical statement.

La obra fue unánimemente elogiada por su profundidad filosófica.

The work was unanimously praised for its philosophical depth.

Adverb 'unánimemente' modifying the passive voice.

Quien bien te quiere, te hará llorar, no solo te elogiará.

He who loves you well will make you cry, not just praise you.

Proverbial usage of the future tense.

Es preciso elogiar la valentía de quienes denuncian la injusticia.

It is necessary to praise the courage of those who denounce injustice.

Formal expression 'es preciso'.

No se puede elogiar la forma si el fondo está vacío.

One cannot praise the form if the content is empty.

Impersonal 'se' with modal 'poder'.

El panegírico buscaba elogiar las virtudes cívicas del difunto estadista.

The eulogy sought to praise the civic virtues of the late statesman.

High-register vocabulary (panegírico, estadista).

Sería un error elogiar de forma somera una investigación tan exhaustiva.

It would be a mistake to praise such an exhaustive investigation in a superficial way.

Conditional mood and advanced adjectives (somera, exhaustiva).

La historiografía contemporánea ha tendido a elogiar su pragmatismo político.

Contemporary historiography has tended to praise his political pragmatism.

Academic subject and compound tense.

A menudo, elogiar al poderoso es una forma velada de sumisión.

Often, praising the powerful is a veiled form of submission.

Philosophical observation with 'forma velada'.

Lejos de elogiar su osadía, el comité censuró su falta de prudencia.

Far from praising his boldness, the committee censured his lack of prudence.

Contrastive structure 'Lejos de... censuró'.

La retórica empleada para elogiar al monarca rayaba en lo hagiográfico.

The rhetoric used to praise the monarch bordered on the hagiographic.

Sophisticated vocabulary (retórica, rayaba, hagiográfico).

Es imperativo que la sociedad aprenda a elogiar el mérito intelectual.

It is imperative that society learns to praise intellectual merit.

Subjunctive mood with impersonal 'es imperativo'.

No basta con elogiar las intenciones; hay que evaluar los resultados.

It is not enough to praise the intentions; one must evaluate the results.

Complex structure 'no basta con... hay que'.

Common Collocations

elogiar el trabajo

elogiar el esfuerzo

elogiar la belleza

elogiar públicamente

elogiar calurosamente

elogiar la valentía

elogiar la iniciativa

elogiar el talento

elogiar la labor

elogiar la actitud

Common Phrases

Digno de elogiar

— Something that deserves to be praised. Used to describe admirable actions.

Su honestidad es digna de elogiar.

No escatimar elogios

— To give a lot of praise without holding back. Very common in journalism.

La prensa no escatimó elogios para la película.

Deshacerse en elogios

— To praise someone excessively or repeatedly.

Se deshizo en elogios hacia su nueva jefa.

Elogiar por todo lo alto

— To praise something very highly or grandly.

Elogiaron el banquete por todo lo alto.

Recibir elogios

— To be the recipient of praise.

El joven recibió muchos elogios por su invento.

Lluvia de elogios

— A large amount of praise coming from many people at once.

Hubo una lluvia de elogios tras el estreno.

Cubrir de elogios

— To overwhelm someone with many compliments.

Lo cubrieron de elogios en su jubilación.

Elogiar la memoria de

— To praise the life and legacy of a deceased person.

Elogiaron la memoria del fundador.

Elogiar a manos llenas

— To praise generously and abundantly.

Elogiaba a manos llenas a sus colaboradores.

Palabras de elogio

— Specific words used to express praise.

Dedicó unas palabras de elogio a su familia.

Often Confused With

elogiar vs elegir

Sounds similar but means 'to choose'. 'Elogio al empleado' vs 'Elijo al empleado'.

elogiar vs alabar

Often more religious or intense. Use 'elogiar' for standard professional praise.

elogiar vs adular

Means to flatter insincerely. 'Elogiar' is usually seen as positive and honest.

Idioms & Expressions

"Elogio de la locura"

— A reference to Erasmus' famous work, used to describe the celebration of something unconventional.

Su estilo de vida es un elogio de la locura.

Literary

"Echar flores"

— A common idiom meaning to compliment or praise someone (literally: to throw flowers).

No me eches tantas flores, que me sonrojo.

Informal

"Poner por las nubes"

— To praise someone or something excessively (literally: to put through the clouds).

Pusieron su restaurante por las nubes.

Colloquial

"Hacer la pelota"

— To flatter someone to get a favor (negative context, unlike sincere elogiar).

Le está haciendo la pelota al profesor para aprobar.

Slang

"Cantar las alabanzas"

— To loudly and publicly praise someone's virtues.

Todos cantan las alabanzas del nuevo sistema.

Neutral

"Dar jabón"

— To flatter someone (literally: to give soap). Similar to 'hacer la pelota'.

Deja de darle jabón al jefe.

Informal/Spain

"Ser un adulador"

— To be a person who praises insincerely for personal gain.

No confíes en él, es un adulador.

Neutral

"Romper una lanza por"

— To speak in defense or praise of someone who is being criticized.

Quiero romper una lanza por él y elogiar su integridad.

Formal

"Quedar como un señor"

— To look very good/be praised for doing something generous or correct.

Al elogiar a su rival, quedó como un señor.

Colloquial

"Hacer gala de"

— To show off or be praised for a specific quality one possesses.

Hizo gala de su paciencia y todos lo elogiaron.

Formal

Easily Confused

elogiar vs elegir

Orthographic similarity.

Elegir is to select; Elogiar is to praise. One involves a decision, the other an opinion.

Debes elegir un camino, pero yo elogio tu valentía al decidir.

elogiar vs alegar

Phonetic similarity.

Alegar means to allege or claim in a legal sense.

Él alega que es inocente, pero nadie elogia su conducta.

elogiar vs alejar

Phonetic similarity.

Alejar means to move something away.

No te alejes de tus amigos, ellos siempre te elogian.

elogiar vs alojar

Phonetic similarity.

Alojar means to house or accommodate someone.

Lo vamos a alojar en el hotel que todos elogian.

elogiar vs enojar

Rhyme similarity.

Enojar means to make someone angry.

No te enojes si no te elogian hoy.

Sentence Patterns

[Sujeto] elogió a [Persona].

Pedro elogió a su hermano.

[Sujeto] elogia el/la [Cosa].

El cliente elogia la comida.

[Sujeto] fue elogiado por [Causa].

El actor fue elogiado por su papel.

Es importante elogiar a [Persona].

Es importante elogiar a los voluntarios.

No escatimar en elogios hacia [Persona].

No escatimaron en elogios hacia el equipo.

Elogiar el hecho de que [Frase].

Elogió el hecho de que llegaras temprano.

Digno de ser elogiado.

Un gesto digno de ser elogiado.

Deshacerse en elogios.

La crítica se deshizo en elogios.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written Spanish and formal speech; less common in casual slang.

Common Mistakes

Yo elogio mi profesor. → Yo elogio a mi profesor.
You must use the personal 'a' when the direct object is a person.
Él me eligió por mi trabajo. → Él me elogió por mi trabajo.
Confusing 'elegir' (to choose) with 'elogiar' (to praise).
Te elogio para tu ayuda. → Te elogio por tu ayuda.
The preposition 'por' is used for the reason or cause of the praise.
Elogiar con una j (elojiar). → Elogiar con g.
Always spelled with a 'g' even though it sounds like a 'j' before 'i'.
Uso de 'alabar' para cosas pequeñas. → Uso de 'elogiar' o 'felicitar'.
'Alabar' is often too strong or religious for minor everyday achievements.

Tips

Use 'Por' for Reasons

Always follow 'elogiar' with 'por' when explaining why you are praising someone. Example: 'Te elogio por tu paciencia'.

Formal Writing

Use 'elogiar' in academic essays or formal letters to sound more professional and precise than using 'decir cosas buenas'.

The Soft 'G'

Ensure the 'g' is soft and raspy, not hard like in 'gate'. It should sound like the English 'h' but with more friction.

Social Harmony

Use 'elogiar' to build relationships. In Hispanic cultures, recognizing others' efforts is a highly valued social skill.

Eulogy Connection

Connect 'elogiar' to the English word 'eulogy'. A eulogy is a speech that praises someone, and 'elogiar' is the verb for that action.

Avoid Overuse

While positive, too much 'elogio' can seem like flattery ('adulación'). Balance your praise to keep it sincere.

Passive Voice

In journalism, use the passive 'ser elogiado' to emphasize the person or thing receiving the acclaim.

Context Clues

When you hear 'elogiar', expect to hear about an achievement, a talent, or a virtuous act immediately after.

Public Praise

In a group, 'elogiar' someone publicly is a powerful way to show leadership and appreciation in Spanish.

Noun vs Verb

Don't forget the noun 'elogio'. Sometimes 'recibió muchos elogios' sounds more natural than 'fue elogiado muchas veces'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an **E**-**LOG** (Electronic Log) where you write only **good** things about people. **E-LO-GIAR**.

Visual Association

Imagine a gold medal (a sign of merit) with the word 'ELOGIAR' engraved on it, being handed to a smiling winner.

Word Web

Praise Admire Commend Validate Applaud Celebrate Recognize Exalt

Challenge

Try to 'elogiar' three different people today in Spanish using the phrase: 'Te elogio por tu...'

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'elogium', which referred to a short inscription, an epitaph, or a formal statement of praise.

Original meaning: A short, pithy statement or a testimonial of merit.

Italic -> Romance -> Spanish.

Cultural Context

Be careful when elogiando physical appearance in a professional setting, as it may be misinterpreted. Focus on 'labor' or 'esfuerzo' instead.

English speakers might use 'compliment' or 'praise' interchangeably, but in Spanish, 'elogiar' is specifically for higher-level or more formal commendations.

Don Quijote often uses high-register verbs like elogiar and loar. The 'Elogio de la Sombra' by Jorge Luis Borges. Isabel Allende's memoirs often elogiar her ancestors.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

Elogiar el desempeño
Elogiar la puntualidad
Elogiar el liderazgo
Elogiar la colaboración

Art/Literature

Elogiar la técnica
Elogiar la originalidad
Elogiar la prosa
Elogiar la composición

Education

Elogiar el progreso
Elogiar la curiosidad
Elogiar el comportamiento
Elogiar la participación

Social Events

Elogiar la comida
Elogiar la decoración
Elogiar la hospitalidad
Elogiar el discurso

Sports

Elogiar la disciplina
Elogiar el juego limpio
Elogiar la resistencia
Elogiar al entrenador

Conversation Starters

"¿Cuándo fue la última vez que alguien te elogió por tu trabajo?"

"¿Crees que es importante elogiar a los niños con frecuencia?"

"¿Qué cualidad tuya te gustaría que la gente elogiara más?"

"¿Es común elogiar a los desconocidos en tu cultura?"

"¿Cómo te sientes cuando tu jefe te elogia en público?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre una vez que recibiste un elogio que cambió tu forma de pensar sobre ti mismo.

Describe a una persona a la que admires y elogia sus tres mejores virtudes.

¿Por qué crees que a algunas personas les resulta difícil elogiar a los demás?

Elogia un libro o una película que hayas visto recientemente y explica por qué es especial.

Reflexiona sobre la diferencia entre elogiar sinceramente y simplemente ser educado.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is a completely regular -ar verb. You conjugate it like 'hablar' or 'cantar'. This makes it very easy to use once you know the stem.

Yes, you can elogiar a book, a meal, a landscape, or a project. It is not limited to people, although it is very common for praising human qualities.

'Felicitar' is to congratulate someone for a specific event (like a birthday or winning a prize). 'Elogiar' is to praise someone's qualities or work in general. You felicitar someone for their wedding, but you elogiar their kindness.

Only if the direct object is a specific person or a personified entity (like a pet). Example: 'Elogio a mi padre'. If you are praising an object, you don't need it: 'Elogio el cuadro'.

Yes, it is a universal Spanish word recognized and used in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and all other Spanish-speaking regions, primarily in formal contexts.

No, it is rarely used in slang. In casual street talk, people prefer idioms like 'echar flores' or simply saying 'qué bueno es'.

The noun is 'elogio'. It means 'praise' or 'compliment'. You can say 'dar un elogio' or 'recibir un elogio'.

Yes, 'elogiarse' means to praise oneself. However, it is often used with 'a sí mismo' to clarify: 'Se elogiaba a sí mismo constantemente'.

The adjective is 'elogiable'. For example: 'Su conducta fue elogiable' (His conduct was praiseworthy).

Yes, much stronger. 'Gustar' just means you like something. 'Elogiar' means you are actively expressing a high opinion of its value or merit.