Ashes: meaning, definitions and examples

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ashes

[ˈæʃɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a fireplace

The residue that remains after something is burned. Ashes typically consist of carbon, minerals, and other impurities.

Synonyms

cinders, remains, residue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ashes	Another form of the same word, used when referring to ceremonial remains like someone who has been cremated. He scattered his grandmother’s ashes into the wind The family decided to keep the ashes in an urn
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. After washing the pan, there was still some residue left The sticky residue made it difficult to open the jar
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. After the fire went out, there were still cinders glowing in the fireplace Be careful, those cinders are still hot
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. They found the remains of an ancient civilization The remains of the meal were quickly cleared away

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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

cremains, dust, remains.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ashes	Refers to the remains of something that has been burned, commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. After the campfire, only ashes remained The empire rose from its ashes
cremains	Specifically used to describe the remains of a human body after cremation. Often used in funeral or memorial contexts. The family scattered the cremains in the ocean We kept the cremains in an urn
remains	Used to describe what is left after the greater part has been taken or destroyed. Often used in archaeological or forensic contexts. Archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient civilization The remains of the meal were left on the table
dust	Often used to refer to fine particles of earth or other substances. Can also imply a sense of insignificance or decay. She wiped the dust off the old bookshelf We are all just dust in the wind

Examples of usage

The family scattered the ashes of their loved one in the ocean.
The ashes were buried in a peaceful garden.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

destroy or reduce to ashes

To burn something completely until it turns into ash. Can also mean to destroy something completely.

Synonyms

burn, destroy, incinerate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ashes	The remains left after something has been completely burned. Often used in a symbolic or literal sense. After the fire, all that was left of the house were ashes. The phoenix rises from its own ashes.
burn	Setting something on fire or being on fire. Can be used literally or metaphorically. They burned the old furniture in the backyard. Her anger burned intensely within her.
incinerate	Burning something to ashes, usually in a controlled or industrial setting. Often used in formal or technical contexts. The hospital incinerated the medical waste. Old documents were incinerated to protect sensitive information.
destroy	Completely ruin or damage something beyond recognition or repair. It has a stronger negative connotation. The hurricane destroyed the small coastal town. The scandal destroyed his career.

Examples of usage

The fire quickly ashed the documents.
The volcanic eruption ashed the entire village.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'æsc,' 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "ashes" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cinzas

🇮🇳 राख

🇩🇪 Asche

🇮🇩 abu

🇺🇦 попіл

🇵🇱 popiół

🇯🇵 灰 (はい)

🇫🇷 cendres

🇪🇸 cenizas

🇹🇷 kül

🇰🇷 재 (jae)

🇸🇦 رماد

🇨🇿 popel

🇸🇰 popol

🇨🇳 灰烬 (huī jìn)

🇸🇮 pepel

🇮🇸 aska

🇰🇿 күл

🇬🇪 ფერფლი (perpli)

🇦🇿 kül

🇲🇽 cenizas

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,908 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6905 dreadful
6906 judging
6907 interact
6908 ashes
6909 travelled
6910 exaggerated
6911 rude
...