What is the Difference Between Eulogy and Tribute

The main difference between eulogy and tribute is that eulogy is a speech or a piece of writing generally honouring a dead person while a tribute can be a speech, gift, award or a service honouring a living or dead person.

Both eulogy and tribute show respect, admiration and affection for people. Most of us use these two words interchangeably to refer to speeches given at funerals. However, there is a difference between eulogy and tribute. A eulogy is always a speech or a piece of writing while a tribute can be a speech, gift, award or a service. Moreover, a eulogy is a type of tribute.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Eulogy 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is a Tribute
     – Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between Eulogy and Tribute
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Eulogy, Tribute

What is a Eulogy

A eulogy is a speech given at a funeral or memorial service, honouring the deceased. A family member of the deceased or a close friend of the family usually delivers a eulogy. A eulogy is usually a central element in a funeral.

A eulogy highlights the unique qualities about the deceased, his achievements and accomplishments, favourite quotes, as well as his value to family, friends and the community. It may also include personal details like memories, stories, and anecdotes about that person. The person giving the eulogy can also talk about lessons he learned from the deceased and his relationship with the deceased. A good eulogy is not biographical (i.e, does not talk about the deceased’s entire life in chronological order). It uses stories and memories, contains personal experiences and describes specific incidents. Most importantly, a good tribute is genuine and sincere and reflects the bond between the speaker and the recipient of the eulogy.

What is a Tribute

A tribute is something given voluntarily to show respect, gratitude, admiration, or affection. Tribute can be a gift, statement, act or service. In brief, it’s a sign of respect and admiration, honouring a person or his achievements. When we give a tribute to someone, we honour that person with words, gifts, or awards.

For example, when a teacher retires or transfers to another school, his students will give gifts or do something memorable as a tribute to his service. Another example is a famous and successful actor receiving a lifetime achievement award as a tribute to his great contribution to the film industry. A eulogy is also a type of tribute that is given to someone who has passed away. It’s also important to note that the word tribute can refer to a type of payment given from one nation to another.

Difference Between Eulogy and Tribute

Definition

A eulogy is a speech given at a funeral or memorial service, honouring the deceased while a tribute is something given voluntarily to show respect, gratitude, admiration, or affection.

Nature

A eulogy is always a speech or a piece of writing while a tribute can be a speech, gift, award or a service.

Recipient

Generally, eulogy praises a dead person while tribute can be done for living persons as well dead persons.

Location

Eulogy is delivered at a funeral or memorial service while tribute can be delivered anywhere.

Conclusion

A eulogy is always a speech or a piece of writing while a tribute can be a speech, gift, award or a service. Moreover, eulogy praises a dead person while tribute can be done for living persons as well as dead persons. Thus, this is the main difference between eulogy and tribute.

Image Courtesy:

1. “REAGANBUSHEULOGY2” (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “1585875” (CC0) via Pxhere