Posthumously: meaning, definitions and examples
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posthumously
[ˌpɒstˈhjuː.məs.li ]
Definition
after death
Posthumously refers to events or actions occurring after a person's death. It is often used in contexts involving awards, publications, or recognitions that are conferred after the individual has passed away. The term derives from the Latin word 'postumus,' meaning 'the last.' Many artists, authors, and scientists receive recognition or acclaim posthumously, highlighting the lasting impact of their work despite their absence.
Synonyms
after-death, postmortem.
Examples of usage
- She received the award posthumously for her remarkable contributions.
- The author was celebrated posthumously when his novel was published years after his death.
- His music gained popularity posthumously, reaching a wider audience.
- The artist's work was displayed posthumously in a major gallery show.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'posthumus', meaning 'after burial'.
- It combines 'post-', meaning 'after', and 'humus', which relates to 'ground' or 'earth', referring to burial.
History
- Many artists, writers, and musicians have been recognized with awards or honors posthumously, highlighting society's appreciation of their work.
- One of the most famous posthumous honors was awarded to John F. Kennedy, who received the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 1957, after his assassination in 1963.
Psychology
- Often, posthumous recognition can help families and communities find closure and celebrate the individual’s contributions.
- It can also reflect society’s changing values and how individuals are perceived over time.
Politics
- Some individuals have had laws or policies named after them posthumously, recognizing their impact even after their death.
- Historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. have streets and buildings named in their honor well after they passed.
Literature
- Numerous classic works were published posthumously, like 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank, which provides insights into her life during WWII.
- Authors like Franz Kafka and Emily Dickinson had their works released after their deaths, significantly influencing literary movements.
Translations
Translations of the word "posthumously" in other languages:
🇵🇹 postumamente
🇮🇳 मृत्यु के बाद
🇩🇪 posthum
🇮🇩 secara anumerta
🇺🇦 посмертно
🇵🇱 pośmiertnie
🇯🇵 死後に
🇫🇷 posthume
🇪🇸 póstumo
🇹🇷 ölümden sonra
🇰🇷 사후에
🇸🇦 بعد الوفاة
🇨🇿 posmrtně
🇸🇰 posmrtné
🇨🇳 死后
🇸🇮 posmrtno
🇮🇸 eftir andlát
🇰🇿 қайтыс болғаннан кейін
🇬🇪 მოწამებული
🇦🇿 ölümündən sonra
🇲🇽 póstumo