Funeral Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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funeral
[ˈfjuːnərəl ]
Definitions
ceremony
A funeral is a ceremony or service held after someone has died, during which their body is buried or cremated.
Synonyms
burial, interment, memorial, service.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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funeral |
Used for the overall ceremony for someone who has passed away, including their burial or cremation. It is a formal event with rituals depending on cultural or religious practices.
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burial |
Specifically refers to the act of placing the deceased body into the ground. Often used to describe the physical process rather than the entire ceremony.
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memorial |
An event or structure dedicated to remembering the deceased. It can be a service, monument, or any other form of remembrance that may or may not include the physical presence of the body.
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service |
Broad term that can refer to any ceremonial gathering related to the deceased, including funerals, memorials, and other remembrance events. It emphasizes the communal and ceremonial aspects.
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interment |
A formal or official term for the act of burying a body, usually emphasizing the ceremony of placing a body in its final resting place. Often used in more official or legal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The funeral will take place next Friday.
- She attended her grandfather's funeral last week.
mourning
A funeral can also refer to the period of time following a person's death, when family and friends gather to grieve and remember the deceased.
Synonyms
memorial service, remembrance, wake.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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funeral |
Used when referring to the formal event or ceremony held to honor someone who has passed away. It typically involves rituals and can be religious or secular.
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wake |
Used to refer to a gathering or social event typically held before or after a funeral, where friends and family come together to remember the deceased. It often involves sharing stories, food, and sometimes drinks.
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memorial service |
Used for a ceremony that is held to honor and remember a deceased person, but the body is not present. Often more informal and can be held long after the person has passed away.
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remembrance |
Used to talk about the act of remembering and paying tribute to someone who has died. It often involves a ceremony or event but can also be a general term for the action.
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Examples of usage
- The funeral lasted for three days.
- The family is still in mourning after the funeral.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word 'funeral' comes from the Latin 'funus', meaning 'funeral rites' or 'death'.
- Ancient Egyptians held elaborate funerals to ensure a safe passage to the afterlife, involving mummification and burial treasures.
- In medieval times, funerals were often grand events, reflecting a person's social status, with knights and nobles celebrated with processions.
Cultural Practices
- In some cultures, funerals involve rituals like 'sitting shiva' in Jewish tradition, where family and friends gather for seven days to mourn.
- In the Philippines, 'Pahalik' involves kissing and touching the deceased as a last goodbye, showing deep respect.
- The Day of the Dead in Mexico celebrates and remembers loved ones who have passed with vibrant decorations and feasts.
Psychology
- Funerals serve as a crucial part of the grieving process, allowing individuals to express sorrow and find closure.
- Studies show that attending ceremonial events can help survivors cope better with loss by providing communal support.
- Rituals associated with funerals can facilitate a sense of connection with the deceased, which can positively impact mental health.
Literature and Art
- In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', the theme of death and mourning is central, particularly in how characters react to funerals.
- Various poets have explored the idea of funerals and death, often reflecting on loss, such as Emily Dickinson and John Keats.
- Artistic representations of funerals in paintings often highlight the emotional aspects, depicting the sorrow or celebration of a life lived.
Modern Practices
- Today, many funerals incorporate personal touches, such as music playlists and themed decorations, to celebrate individuality.
- The rise of eco-friendly funerals emphasizes natural burial practices that reduce environmental impact.
- Virtual funerals have become more common, allowing loved ones to connect and honor the deceased despite geographic barriers.
Origin of 'funeral'
The word 'funeral' originated from the Latin word 'funus', meaning burial or funeral rites. Funerals have been an important part of human culture for centuries, providing a way for people to honor and remember the deceased. Different cultures have unique funeral traditions and customs, but the underlying purpose of honoring the dead remains consistent across societies.
Word Frequency Rank
At #5,063 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
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- 5060 relieve
- 5061 inheritance
- 5062 grasp
- 5063 funeral
- 5064 purple
- 5065 coordinate
- 5066 persistent
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