Bury: meaning, definitions and examples

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bury

 

[ ˈberē ]

Context #1 | Verb

funeral

To place a dead body in the ground, typically with a funeral ceremony. The act of burying is a way to honor the deceased and provide closure for loved ones. It is a common practice in many cultures around the world.

Synonyms

entomb, inter, inter, lay to rest.

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Word Description / Examples
bury

This is usually used when speaking about putting something or someone into the ground, often to hide or preserve. It's a general term and can be used for both objects and people.

  • They decided to bury the treasure in the backyard
  • After the ceremony, they will bury him next to his parents
inter

A formal word often used in legal, academic, or ceremonial settings. It usually refers specifically to burying a dead body.

  • The body will be interred in the national cemetery
  • They interred the remains with full military honors
entomb

This term is often used when talking about placing a body in a tomb or a structure, not directly in the ground. It has a more formal and sometimes historical or cultural connotation.

  • The ancient king was entombed with great treasures
  • They entombed the remains in the family mausoleum
lay to rest

This phrase is often used in a sensitive or respectful context when talking about burying someone who has died. It implies a peaceful final resting place.

  • They laid him to rest in a serene meadow
  • After the funeral, his family laid him to rest in his hometown cemetery

Examples of usage

  • They will bury the deceased in the family plot next to their ancestors.
  • The family chose to bury their loved one in a traditional ceremony.
  • After the funeral service, they will bury the casket in the cemetery.
Context #2 | Verb

hide

To conceal something by placing it underground or covering it with a material. Burying can also refer to hiding something so deeply that it is difficult to find or uncover.

Synonyms

camouflage, conceal, cover, hide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bury

To place something deeply in the ground. Often used when talking about disposing of dead bodies, objects, or negative emotions.

  • They decided to bury the time capsule in the backyard
  • She tried to bury her feelings of guilt
conceal

To keep something hidden or secret from view, often with the intention of preventing discovery.

  • She concealed the letter in her drawer to ensure no one would read it
  • The thief concealed the stolen jewelry in his coat
hide

To put something in a place where it is not easily found or seen. Can be used in both physical and abstract contexts.

  • The children love to hide behind the trees during their games
  • He tried to hide his nervousness during the interview
cover

To place something over an object to protect it or keep it hidden.

  • He covered the pot with a lid to keep the food warm
  • She covered her face with a scarf to shield herself from the wind
camouflage

To disguise something so that it blends in with its surroundings, making it harder to see or detect. Frequently used in military or nature contexts.

  • The soldiers used branches and netting to camouflage their vehicles
  • The chameleon can camouflage itself to match the colors of its environment

Examples of usage

  • He buried his treasure in the backyard so no one would find it.
  • The secret documents were buried deep in the archives.
  • She buried her emotions under a facade of indifference.

Translations

Translations of the word "bury" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enterrar

🇮🇳 दफ़नाना (dafnana)

🇩🇪 begraben

🇮🇩 mengubur

🇺🇦 поховати

🇵🇱 pochować

🇯🇵 埋葬する (maisou suru)

🇫🇷 enterrer

🇪🇸 enterrar

🇹🇷 gömmek

🇰🇷 묻다 (mudda)

🇸🇦 دفن (dafn)

🇨🇿 pohřbít

🇸🇰 pochovať

🇨🇳 埋葬 (máizàng)

🇸🇮 pokopati

🇮🇸 jarða

🇰🇿 жерлеу (jerleu)

🇬🇪 დაფარვა (dafarva)

🇦🇿 dəfn etmək

🇲🇽 enterrar

Etymology

The word 'bury' has Old English origins, derived from the word 'byrgan' meaning 'to place in the ground'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the act of interring or concealing something. Burying the dead has been a common practice in human societies throughout history, with various cultural and religious rituals associated with it.

See also: burial.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,151, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.