Obituary: meaning, definitions and examples

💔

Add to dictionary

obituary

[əˈbɪtʃuˌɛri ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

newspaper

A notice of a death, especially in a newspaper, typically including a brief biography of the deceased.

Synonyms

death notice, eulogy, memorial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obituary	An obituary is a formal article written in a newspaper or online publication that announces the death of a person. It usually includes details about their life, family, and funeral arrangements. The family wrote a heartfelt obituary that was published in the Sunday paper. She read the obituary section every morning to stay informed about the community's losses.
death notice	A death notice is a brief public announcement about someone's death. It typically includes basic information such as the name of the deceased, dates of birth and death, and details about the funeral services. The death notice mentioned the time and location of the memorial service. They placed a death notice in the local newspaper to inform friends and extended family.
memorial	A memorial can refer to any event or structure intended to remember and honor a deceased person or group. It can be a service, monument, or other tribute to keep their memory alive. They held a memorial to celebrate her life and legacy. The town built a memorial to honor the soldiers who had fallen in the war.
eulogy	A eulogy is a speech or writing in praise of a deceased person, usually delivered at their funeral or memorial service. It highlights the person's life achievements, personality, and impact on others. Her brother delivered a touching eulogy that brought many to tears. The eulogy focused on his contributions to the community and his loving nature.

Examples of usage

She read her grandfather's obituary in the local paper.
The obituary section of the newspaper is always well-read.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'obitus', meaning 'death'.
It first appeared in English in the late 17th century, originally referring to a death notice.
The term evolved to encompass a detailed account of the person's life, not just their death.

Cultural Significance

Obituaries are considered a way to celebrate a person's life and achievements, reflecting societal values.
In many cultures, they serve as a communal reflection, often encouraging gatherings to remember the deceased.
Some communities even publish annually compiled obituaries that tell the stories of people who passed away over the year.

Literary Context

Obituaries can be seen as a form of biography, summarizing a life story in a few short paragraphs.
Some famous authors have turned personal obituaries into notable essays or articles reflecting on life and death.
The style and tone of obituaries can vary widely, ranging from solemn to celebratory, depending on the individual’s life.

Psychological Aspects

Reading obituaries can help individuals process grief and understand the impact of death in their communities.
For families, writing an obituary can be a therapeutic way to reflect on their loved one’s life and legacy.
They often invoke feelings of nostalgia, prompting readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships.

Modern Trends

With the rise of digital media, many online platforms now offer spaces for virtual obituaries, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Social media has transformed how obituaries are shared, allowing for real-time updates and community sharing.
Creative formats, including video tributes, are becoming increasingly popular, providing a more personal touch.

Translations

Translations of the word "obituary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 necrológio

🇮🇳 शोक-सूचना

🇩🇪 Nachruf

🇮🇩 obituari

🇺🇦 некролог

🇵🇱 nekrolog

🇯🇵 死亡記事

🇫🇷 nécrologie

🇪🇸 necrológica

🇹🇷 ölüm ilanı

🇰🇷 부고

🇸🇦 نعي

🇨🇿 nekrolog

🇸🇰 nekrológ

🇨🇳 讣告

🇸🇮 osmrtnica

🇮🇸 dánartilkynning

🇰🇿 қаза туралы хабарлама

🇬🇪 ნეკროლოგი

🇦🇿 nekroloq

🇲🇽 necrológica

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,791, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17788 postpartum
17789 absenteeism
17790 mourned
17791 obituary
17792 olden
17793 rehabilitated
17794 censured
...