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Sepulchral: meaning, definitions and examples

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sepulchral

 

[ sɪˈpʌl.krəls ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

tone, atmosphere

Sepulchral is an adjective used to describe something that is related to a tomb or burial. It often conveys a somber, gloomy, or mournful quality. This word is frequently used to describe voices or sounds that are deep and resonant, invoking the stillness and silence associated with death. It can also refer to a mood or atmosphere that feels heavy with sorrow or foreboding, often inspiring a sense of dread. In literature and art, sepulchral themes may be used to evoke a powerful emotional response.

Synonyms

dark, dismal, funereal, gloomy, mournful

Examples of usage

  • The sepulchral tone of his voice filled the room with unease.
  • The sepulchral atmosphere of the old cemetery was palpable as night fell.
  • Her sepulchral expressions left us all in silence.
  • The sepulchral moans of the distant wind echoed through the valley.

Translations

Translations of the word "sepulchral" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sepulcral

🇮🇳 समाधि से संबंधित

🇩🇪 sepulkral

🇮🇩 kubur

🇺🇦 поховальний

🇵🇱 sepulkralny

🇯🇵 墓の

🇫🇷 sépulcral

🇪🇸 sepulcral

🇹🇷 mezar

🇰🇷 무덤의

🇸🇦 قبري

🇨🇿 hrobový

🇸🇰 hrobový

🇨🇳 墓穴的

🇸🇮 grobnica

🇮🇸 grafar

🇰🇿 қабірлік

🇬🇪 საფლავის

🇦🇿 məzar

🇲🇽 sepulcral

Etymology

The word 'sepulchral' dates back to the early 17th century, derived from the Latin word 'sepulcralis', which itself comes from 'sepulcrum', meaning 'tomb' or 'grave'. This terminology was used in both Roman and Medieval Latin contexts to refer to burial sites and has evolved in English to encompass anything associated with death, burial, or tombs. The term reflects a historical preoccupation with mortality that spans different cultures and eras, often used to evoke both respect for the dead and contemplation of one's own mortality. As literature and art progressed, 'sepulchral' began to describe not only the physical aspects of burial but also the emotional weight that surrounds themes of death and the afterlife. The transition into common English usage maintained its somber connotation, linking physical space with psychological states.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,357, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.