Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Mausoleum: meaning, definitions and examples

⚰️
Add to dictionary

mausoleum

 

[ˌmɔːsəˈliːəm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

historical building

A mausoleum is a large, impressive tomb or building that contains the burial chambers of a deceased person or a family. Mausoleums are often grand in design and serve as a final resting place for important individuals or families.

Synonyms

crypt, sepulchre, tomb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
mausoleum

A large, stately building housing a tomb or several tombs, often used for prominent individuals or families.

  • The royal family was buried in an elaborate mausoleum.
  • The mausoleum stood at the center of the cemetery, a testament to a bygone era.
tomb

A general term for a large vault, chamber, or grave for burying the dead.

  • The archaeologists discovered a tomb that had been undisturbed for centuries.
  • She visited her ancestors' tombs during the annual memorial.
sepulchre

A small room or monument, cut in rock or built of stone, where a dead person is laid or buried. This term often has a solemn and historical connotation.

  • The guide led us to the sepulchre of the ancient king.
  • Throughout history, revered leaders were often laid to rest in sepulchres.
crypt

An underground room or vault beneath a church, used as a chapel or burial place.

  • The ancient church had a crypt where many were laid to rest.
  • Explorers found hidden passages leading to an old crypt beneath the cathedral.

Examples of usage

  • The ancient Egyptians built elaborate mausoleums to house the bodies of their pharaohs.
  • The Taj Mahal in India is considered one of the most beautiful mausoleums in the world.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'mausoleum' comes from Mausolus, a Persian satrap; his tomb became famous for its size and beauty, giving a name to similar structures.
  • The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, built for Mausolus in the 4th century BCE, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
  • Many cultures designed grand mausoleums to honor their rulers and important figures, reflecting the desire for lasting legacy.

Architecture

  • Mausoleums often feature large domes and intricate carvings, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of their builders.
  • The Taj Mahal in India, a mausoleum built for Mumtaz Mahal, is a stunning example of Mughal architecture, combining beauty with deep emotional significance.
  • Architectural styles of mausoleums vary greatly across the world, from the simple to the overly ornate, reflecting local customs and beliefs.

Cultural Significance

  • Throughout history, mausoleums have served not just as tombs but also as symbols of power, love, and remembrance in different societies.
  • In Ancient Egypt, pharaohs were often entombed in elaborate structures like pyramids, which served as mausoleums with great religious significance.
  • Different religions view mausoleums in various ways; for some, they represent a final resting place, while for others, they are a place of continued reverence.

Pop Culture

  • Mausoleums often appear in films and literature as mysterious places, symbolizing secrets, history, and connections to the past.
  • Famous mausoleums, such as the one for Edgar Allan Poe, inspire numerous stories and legends, attracting visitors and historians alike.
  • In video games and movies, characters sometimes encounter mausoleums as places of exploration or excitement, blending history with adventure.

Psychology

  • The existence of mausoleums and tombs illustrates human desires to cope with death and remember loved ones in meaningful ways.
  • Visiting mausoleums can evoke feelings of reflection and loss, prompting individuals to consider their mortality and the legacies they leave behind.
  • The grandeur of mausoleums often reflects societal values regarding death, wealth, and remembrance, impacting how communities grieve.

Translations

Translations of the word "mausoleum" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mausoléu

🇮🇳 मकबरा

🇩🇪 Mausoleum

🇮🇩 makam

🇺🇦 мавзолей

🇵🇱 mauzoleum

🇯🇵 霊廟 (れいびょう)

🇫🇷 mausolée

🇪🇸 mausoleo

🇹🇷 mozole

🇰🇷 묘소 (myoso)

🇸🇦 ضريح (darih)

🇨🇿 mauzoleum

🇸🇰 mauzóleum

🇨🇳 陵墓 (língmù)

🇸🇮 mavzolej

🇮🇸 grafhýsi

🇰🇿 кесене

🇬🇪 მავზოლეუმი (mavzoleumi)

🇦🇿 məqbərə

🇲🇽 mausoleo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,665, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.