Sepulcher: meaning, definitions and examples

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sepulcher

[ˈsɛpjʊlkər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

place of burial

A sepulcher is a small room or monument, cut in rock or built of stone, in which a dead person is laid or buried. It is typically used as a tomb or a place of burial for one or more deceased individuals.

Synonyms

grave, mausoleum, tomb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sepulcher	Mostly used in literary or historical contexts and can refer to a small room or monument, usually made of stone, where someone is buried. The ancient sepulcher was discovered by archaeologists
tomb	General term used in various contexts, from everyday language to historical discussions, to describe a burial place which can be above or below ground. The historian entered the ancient tomb to uncover its secrets
grave	Commonly used in everyday language to refer to the place where someone is buried in the ground. It can have a general or personal tone. She visited her grandmother's grave every Sunday
mausoleum	Used to describe large, stately tombs, often above ground, intended for important or wealthy individuals. The mausoleum of the ancient king stood at the center of the cemetery

Examples of usage

The ancient king was buried in a grand sepulcher.
The family visited the sepulcher to pay their respects to their ancestors.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to bury

To sepulcher means to bury or inter a body in a sepulcher or tomb. It is the act of placing a deceased person in a tomb for burial.

Synonyms

bury, entomb, inter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sepulcher	Please note this word is repeated in the list. For its context and examples, refer to the first entry in this list.
bury	This is a more general and everyday term which means placing a body in the ground and covering it with earth. It is the most commonly used term for ordinary funeral practices. They decided to bury their grandfather in the local cemetery. We buried the time capsule in the backyard for future generations.
inter	This is a formal term for burying a body in the ground or placing it in a tomb, often used in legal or official contexts. It conveys a sense of respect and dignity. The soldier was interred with full military honors. They interred the remains in a peaceful countryside graveyard.
entomb	To entomb means to place a dead body in a tomb, often implied to be an elaborate or grand one. It suggests a formal or ceremonial action and can be used metaphorically to imply something being trapped or sealed away. The king was entombed in a magnificent pyramid. The treasure was entombed deep beneath the fortress.

Examples of usage

The community came together to sepulcher the fallen soldiers.
The tradition was to sepulcher the deceased in a family tomb.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'sepulcrum', meaning 'tomb' or 'grave'.
In Old French, it transformed into 'sepulcre', maintaining its meaning related to burial.
The change in spelling over centuries reflects influences from different languages and cultures.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, sepulchers are viewed as sacred spaces that provide comfort and connection for the living.
Historical structures like the Taj Mahal are elaborate sepulchers, showcasing how cultures honor their deceased.
Customs surrounding sepulchers vary globally, from simple markers to ornate mausoleums, reflecting beliefs in the afterlife.

Literature

Afterlife themes often feature sepulchers, including Shakespeare's plays where tombs symbolize death but also connection.
Edgar Allan Poe famously wrote about the sepulchers in 'The Fall of the House of Usher', highlighting themes of decay.
Sepulchers can symbolize secrets and hidden truths in various literary works, adding intrigue to stories.

Architecture

Many ancient civilizations built sepulchers as grand structures, often like mini-temples or elaborate stone carvings.
The design of sepulchers can vary widely, with some resembling homes or shrines to reflect the deceased's status or lifestyle.
Modern architecture also includes innovative designs for sepulchers, blending aesthetics with functionality.

Psychology

Research indicates that a well-maintained sepulcher can positively impact the grieving process for loved ones.
The act of visiting a sepulcher can provide closure and help families cope with loss significantly.
Symbolic connections between the living and their loved ones in sepulchers contribute to ongoing relationships after death.

Translations

Translations of the word "sepulcher" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sepulcro

🇮🇳 कब्र

🇩🇪 Grab

🇮🇩 makam

🇺🇦 гробниця

🇵🇱 grobowiec

🇯🇵 墓

🇫🇷 sépulcre

🇪🇸 sepulcro

🇹🇷 kabir

🇰🇷 무덤

🇸🇦 ضريح

🇨🇿 hrobka

🇸🇰 hrobka

🇨🇳 坟墓

🇸🇮 grob

🇮🇸 grafhýsi

🇰🇿 қабір

🇬🇪 საფლავი

🇦🇿 qəbir

🇲🇽 sepulcro