Interment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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interment
[ɪnˈtɜrmənt ]
Definitions
funeral ceremony
The act or ceremony of burying a dead person in a grave.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| interment |
Interment is often used in formal or legal contexts, especially when referring to the act of placing a body in a grave or tomb. It is a more technical term that might be seen in official documents or announcements.
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| burial |
Burial is the most common and general term for placing a body in the ground. It is often used in everyday conversation and can refer to both modern and traditional practices.
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| entombment |
Entombment refers specifically to placing a body in a tomb or mausoleum, rather than burying it in the ground. It is often used in discussions about above-ground interment options and might be used when referring to more elaborate or historical burial practices.
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Examples of usage
- The interment will take place at the family plot.
- She attended the interment to pay her respects.
place of burial
The burial of a dead body in a grave or tomb.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| interment |
This term is typically used in formal or legal contexts to describe the act of placing a deceased person into their final resting place. It may be used in official documents or during formal ceremonies.
|
| burial |
This is a general term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is the most commonly used word to refer to the process of placing a body into the ground.
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| entombment |
This word is used when referring to placing a body in a tomb or mausoleum. It is a more specific term compared to 'burial' and is often used in formal or historical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The interment site was located in a peaceful cemetery.
- They visited the interment to honor their loved one.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Practices
- Different cultures have unique rituals for interment, ranging from burial and cremation to more elaborate practices like sending the deceased out to sea.
- In ancient Egypt, interment was a highly ceremonial process, often involving mummification and elaborate tombs to aid the deceased in the afterlife.
- In some indigenous cultures, interment involves placing the body in a tree or on a platform, symbolizing a connection between life and nature.
Legal Aspects
- Laws governing interment can vary significantly from place to place, often requiring permits and adherence to local regulations.
- Some regions have specific burial sites designated by law to ensure proper treatment of the deceased.
- In many cultures, interment also reflects social status, where wealth can influence the type of burial or memorial service.
Psychological Impact
- The process of interment can have significant emotional effects on grieving families, providing a sense of closure or a way to remember the deceased.
- Ceremonies related to interment often serve as important communal events, allowing friends and family to support each other in mourning.
- The location and manner of interment can affect how individuals cope with grief, with some preferring place-based memorials to visit over time.
Literature and Art
- Interment themes have been prevalent in literature, often symbolizing themes of loss, legacy, and the impermanence of life.
- Famous works, such as the poetry of John Keats, reflect on interment as an inevitable end, merging beauty with sorrow.
- Art depicting interment can evoke deep emotional responses, illustrating the human connection to memory and mortality.
Origin of 'interment'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'interment' comes from the Latin 'interrare', which means 'to place in the ground'.
- It was first used in the English language in the 15th century, indicating its long-standing presence in burial practices.
- The prefix 'inter-' means 'between' or 'among', and '-ment' suggests the process of an action.
The word 'interment' comes from the Latin word 'intermentum', which means burial or interment. It has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to the act of burying a dead body. Interment is a solemn and important ritual in many cultures, symbolizing respect for the deceased and providing closure for the living.
See also: disinter, disinterring, inter, interact, interim, interject, interlude, interval.