Ashes Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
ashes
[หรฆสษชz ]
Definitions
in a fireplace
The residue that remains after something is burned. Ashes typically consist of carbon, minerals, and other impurities.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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ashes |
Another form of the same word, used when referring to ceremonial remains like someone who has been cremated.
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residue |
Used to describe a small amount of something that remains after the main part has been removed or used, often seen in cleaning or chemical contexts.
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cinders |
Refers to small, partially burned pieces of coal, wood, etc. that are no longer aflame but can still be hot. Might be used when describing remains that are more substantial than ashes.
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remains |
Often used to describe whatever is left after destruction or an event. Can be used in a broader sense, not limited to fire, and can also refer to human remains in a formal sense.
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Examples of usage
- The ashes in the fireplace needed to be cleaned out before starting a new fire.
- She watched as the ashes from the campfire drifted up into the sky.
after a cremation
The powdery material that remains after a body has been cremated. Ashes are often kept in urns as a way to memorialize the deceased.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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ashes |
Refers to the remains of something that has been burned, commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
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cremains |
Specifically used to describe the remains of a human body after cremation. Often used in funeral or memorial contexts.
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remains |
Used to describe what is left after the greater part has been taken or destroyed. Often used in archaeological or forensic contexts.
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dust |
Often used to refer to fine particles of earth or other substances. Can also imply a sense of insignificance or decay.
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Examples of usage
- The family scattered the ashes of their loved one in the ocean.
- The ashes were buried in a peaceful garden.
destroy or reduce to ashes
To burn something completely until it turns into ash. Can also mean to destroy something completely.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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ashes |
The remains left after something has been completely burned. Often used in a symbolic or literal sense.
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burn |
Setting something on fire or being on fire. Can be used literally or metaphorically.
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incinerate |
Burning something to ashes, usually in a controlled or industrial setting. Often used in formal or technical contexts.
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destroy |
Completely ruin or damage something beyond recognition or repair. It has a stronger negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The fire quickly ashed the documents.
- The volcanic eruption ashed the entire village.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, ashes symbolize death and transformation, representing the idea of something ending yet leading to new beginnings.
- During the festival of Holi in India, colored powders (which sometimes include ashes) represent the arrival of spring and are used for celebration.
Science
- Ashes can retain nutrients from the burned material, making them useful as fertilizers in gardening.
- The composition of ashes varies greatly depending on the material burned, affecting its color, texture, and nutrient content.
Literature
- In poetry and literature, ashes often symbolize memory, loss, and the passage of time, reflecting on what was and what remains.
- The phrase 'from the ashes' is widely used to describe rebirth or recovery after destruction, drawing on the image of rising anew from the remnants.
Psychology
- The act of scattering ashes of loved ones is a ritual that can help individuals cope with grief, providing a sense of closure.
- In psychological terms, the symbolism of ashes can evoke feelings of nostalgia, loss, and renewal as people reflect on past experiences.
Origin of 'ashes'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'รฆsc,' which originally referred to the remains of burned wood.
- In many languages, the word for 'ashes' resembles the word 'to burn,' showing a deep connection between the two ideas.
The word 'ashes' traces back to Old English 'รฆsce', which is related to Old High German 'asca'. The use of ashes in rituals, such as cremation and ash Wednesday, has been practiced for centuries. Ashes hold symbolic meanings of purification, renewal, and transformation.