Funeral: meaning, definitions and examples

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funeral

[ˈfjuːnərəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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
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. They attended the funeral to pay their last respects Her funeral was held at the local church
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. The burial took place in the family plot They chose a peaceful location for his burial
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. They held a memorial for him on his birthday The memorial included speeches and shared memories
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. The service brought together many friends and family A candlelight service was held in his honor
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. The interment will follow the funeral service Interment was conducted in accordance with the deceased's wishes

Examples of usage

The funeral will take place next Friday.
She attended her grandfather's funeral last week.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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
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. The funeral will be held at St. Mary's Church on Saturday. She wore black to the funeral to show her respect.
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. The wake will be held at the family's home after the funeral. We had a wake for her where everyone shared their favorite memories.
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. We organized a memorial service for him six months after his passing. The memorial service was filled with touching tributes and stories.
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. A special remembrance ceremony was held on the anniversary of his death. In remembrance of our fallen soldiers, a wreath will be laid at the memorial.

Examples of usage

The funeral lasted for three days.
The family is still in mourning after the funeral.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "funeral" in other languages:

🇵🇹 funeral

🇮🇳 अंत्येष्टि

🇩🇪 Beerdigung

🇮🇩 pemakaman

🇺🇦 похорон

🇵🇱 pogrzeb

🇯🇵 葬儀 (そうぎ)

🇫🇷 funérailles

🇪🇸 funeral

🇹🇷 cenaze

🇰🇷 장례식

🇸🇦 جنازة

🇨🇿 pohřeb

🇸🇰 pohreb

🇨🇳 葬礼 (zànglǐ)

🇸🇮 pogreb

🇮🇸 jarðarför

🇰🇿 жерлеу

🇬🇪 დაკრძალვა

🇦🇿 dəfn

🇲🇽 funeral

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
...