What does it mean to "extol" something?

To "extol" something means to praise, glorify, or honor it. This term conveys strong positive acknowledgment of someone's achievements or qualities, emphasizing a high regard and admiration for them. When someone extols a particular idea, work, or individual, they highlight its merits and value, often celebrating its excellence.

The other options do not capture this notion of enthusiastic praise. Criticizing or belittling someone clearly takes a negative stance, while ignoring or dismissing something suggests a lack of acknowledgement altogether. Analyzing or critiquing focuses on examination rather than praise, which diverges from the positive connotation associated with extolling. Thus, the correct answer correlates directly with expressions of admiration and respect.