Gravestone: meaning, definitions and examples
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gravestone
[ ˈɡreɪvstoʊn ]
tombstone marker
A gravestone is a stone marker that is placed at the head of a grave. It typically bears the name of the deceased, along with dates of birth and death, and may include epitaphs or designs. Gravestones serve as a memorial for the deceased and provide a way for the living to remember them.
Synonyms
grave marker, headstone, memorial stone, tombstone.
Examples of usage
- The gravestone was etched with intricate patterns.
- Visitors often leave flowers at the gravestone.
- She visited her grandfather's gravestone.
- The gravestone was weathered but still legible.
Translations
Translations of the word "gravestone" in other languages:
🇵🇹 túmulo
🇮🇳 कब्रस्तान
🇩🇪 Grabstein
🇮🇩 nisan
🇺🇦 надгробок
🇵🇱 nagrobek
🇯🇵 墓石
🇫🇷 tombe
🇪🇸 tumba
🇹🇷 mezar taşı
🇰🇷 묘비
🇸🇦 شاهد قبر
🇨🇿 náhrobek
🇸🇰 náhrobok
🇨🇳 墓碑
🇸🇮 nagrobnik
🇮🇸 grafstein
🇰🇿 тас
🇬🇪 საფლავის ქვა
🇦🇿 məzar daşları
🇲🇽 tumba
Etymology
The term 'gravestone' originates from the combination of the words 'grave' and 'stone'. 'Grave' comes from the Old English 'græf', meaning 'to dig', and refers to a burial site. 'Stone' derives from Old English 'stan', indicating a solid mineral material that has been shaped or placed. Gravestones have been used for centuries to commemorate the dead, with the earliest examples dating back to ancient civilizations. They evolved over time, reflecting cultural, religious, and artistic influences. In medieval Europe, gravestones often featured crosses and inscriptions in Latin, while modern gravestones may showcase a variety of designs and personal touches, reflecting the individuality of the deceased.