To extol means to praise someone or something with great enthusiasm and energy. When you extol something, you celebrate it with real excitement and conviction, telling others why it's so wonderful in passionate, glowing terms.

A coach might extol a player's dedication after she practiced every day for months. A food critic could extol a restaurant's pasta, describing its perfect texture and incredible flavor. When your friend extols a book she just finished, she's not simply recommending it but passionately explaining what made it so amazing.

The word carries a sense of public praise rather than private appreciation. You might quietly admire someone's work, but when you extol it, you're speaking up to make sure others know about its excellence. Scientists extol the virtues of curiosity and careful observation. Teachers extol the importance of reading widely.