Requiem: meaning, definitions and examples

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requiem

 

[ ˈreɪkwiəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

music

A requiem is a musical composition for a funeral Mass, often including parts of the Mass for the Dead along with other sections.

Synonyms

dirge, funeral music.

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Word Description / Examples
requiem

This term is typically used in the context of a mass or service in memory of the deceased, especially in the Roman Catholic Church. It can also refer to a musical composition for such an occasion.

  • The choir sang a beautiful requiem at the memorial service.
  • Mozart's Requiem is one of his most famous works.
funeral music

This phrase is a general term for any music played during a funeral. It encompasses a wide range of musical genres and styles, depending on cultural and personal preferences.

  • The funeral music included classical pieces and the deceased's favorite songs.
  • Her family chose traditional funeral music to honor her memory.
dirge

This word is often used to describe a mournful song, poem, or piece of music that expresses sorrow, especially for the dead. It is usually performed at funerals or memorial services.

  • He composed a dirge for his friend's final farewell.
  • The dirge played, making everyone feel the deep sense of loss.

Examples of usage

  • The requiem by Mozart is one of the most famous in classical music.
  • She performed a beautiful requiem at the memorial service.
Context #2 | Noun

literature

A requiem can also refer to any piece of music, literature, or other work that mourns the dead.

Synonyms

elegy, memorial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
requiem

A requiem is typically used in the context of a religious or classical music setting to honor the dead, often performed as a mass. It can also refer to a specific musical composition intended as an act of remembrance.

  • The choir performed Mozart's Requiem during the ceremony.
  • He composed a requiem to honor his late grandmother.
memorial

A memorial refers to something created to remember a person or event. This can be a physical structure, like a statue, or an event, such as a ceremony. It is used in a broader context and is not limited to artistic or religious expressions.

  • They unveiled a memorial plaque in honor of the fallen soldiers.
  • Every year, the community holds a memorial service for those who died in the tragedy.
elegy

An elegy is a poem or song written to lament the dead. Although it is mournful, it tends to focus on expressing sorrow and celebrating the life of the deceased. It is commonly used in literary and poetic contexts.

  • She wrote an elegy for her friend who passed away.
  • The poet's latest work is an elegy reflecting on love and loss.

Examples of usage

  • The novel served as a requiem for the lost generation.
  • The artist created a requiem in honor of those who passed away.

Translations

Translations of the word "requiem" in other languages:

🇵🇹 réquiem

🇮🇳 शोकगीत

🇩🇪 Requiem

🇮🇩 requiem

🇺🇦 реквієм

🇵🇱 requiem

🇯🇵 レクイエム (rekuiemu)

🇫🇷 requiem

🇪🇸 réquiem

🇹🇷 ağıt

🇰🇷 진혼곡 (jinhong-gok)

🇸🇦 قداس جنائزي

🇨🇿 rekviem

🇸🇰 rekviem

🇨🇳 安魂曲 (ānhúnqǔ)

🇸🇮 rekvijem

🇮🇸 sálumessa

🇰🇿 реквием

🇬🇪 რექვიემი (rekviemi)

🇦🇿 rekviyem

🇲🇽 réquiem

Etymology

The word 'requiem' comes from Latin and originally means 'rest.' It has been used in the context of funeral Masses and mourning since the 15th century, becoming associated with musical compositions in the 18th century.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,192, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.