歌颂 (gēsòng) means to sing the praises of or eulogize, and it carries a formal, reverent tone. It is used for grand subjects like one's country, a great cause, or heroes – not for everyday compliments. By contrast, siblings like 表扬 (praise for behaviour), 夸奖 (compliment a person), 赞美 (admire), 赞扬 (commend publicly), and 赞许 (approve) are all more personal and less elevated.