Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Sepulchre Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚰️
Add to dictionary

sepulchre

[ˈsɛpəlkər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

place of burial

A sepulchre is a small room or monument in which a dead person is buried. It is typically made of stone or concrete and may have a lid or door to protect the remains inside. Sepulchres can be found in cemeteries, churches, and mausoleums.

Synonyms

crypt, grave, tomb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sepulchre

Used in historical or literary contexts, often referring to an elegant or ancient burial place.

  • The ancient king was laid to rest in a grand sepulchre overlooking the valley.
  • The sepulchre was adorned with intricate carvings and solemn inscriptions.
tomb

Typically refers to a large and impressive structure, often above ground, built to house the deceased, commonly used in historical, cultural, or archaeological contexts.

  • The pharaoh's tomb was filled with priceless artifacts and treasures.
  • Tourists marveled at the elaborate tomb that stood as a testament to the king's power.
grave

Generally used in everyday language to describe the burial site for an individual in a cemetery, often marked by a headstone.

  • They paid their respects at their grandfather's grave.
  • The cemetery was filled with rows of simple graves, each telling its own story.
crypt

Commonly used in religious or architectural contexts to describe an underground chamber, typically beneath a church, where coffins, sarcophagi, or relics are stored.

  • The crypt beneath the old cathedral houses the remains of early saints.
  • Exploring the dark crypt revealed hidden treasures and forgotten histories.

Examples of usage

  • The ancient king was laid to rest in a grand sepulchre.
  • The family gathered around the sepulchre to pay their respects.
Context #2 | Verb

to bury

To sepulchre means to bury someone in a grave or tomb. It is often used in a poetic or archaic context to describe the act of laying someone to rest in a solemn or ceremonial manner.

Synonyms

entomb, inter, lay to rest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sepulchre

Similar to 'sepulchre', this term refers to a burial chamber or tomb and appears in literary or historical contexts.

  • He was placed in the sepulchre with other members of his dynasty.
  • They visited the sepulchre during their tour of the old cathedral.
inter

A formal word commonly used in legal or official contexts to describe the act of burying a body in the ground.

  • The soldier's remains were interred with full military honors.
  • They interred her beside her husband in the peaceful cemetery.
entomb

Used to describe the act of placing a body in a tomb or burial chamber. It can carry a slightly dramatic or poetic tone.

  • The Pharaohs were entombed in magnificent pyramids.
  • After the ceremony, they entombed him in the family crypt.
lay to rest

This phrase is used in everyday language and often appears in eulogies or obituaries. It refers to the act of burying someone with a tone of respect and finality.

  • We gathered to lay him to rest in a heartfelt ceremony.
  • She was laid to rest under a beautiful oak tree.

Examples of usage

  • The fallen soldier was sepulchred with full military honors.
  • They chose to sepulchre their beloved pet in the garden.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In Christian tradition, a sepulchre can symbolize the burial of Jesus, often found in religious art and architecture.
  • Many cultures have significant burial sites, with sepulchres often reflecting their beliefs about death and the afterlife.
  • The sepulchre is a key feature in the architectural design of cathedrals, emphasizing reverence for the dead.

Literature

  • The sepulchre appears in various literary works as a symbol of mortality and remembrance, often prompting reflection on life and death.
  • Writers like Edgar Allan Poe have used the imagery of sepulchres in their poems to evoke feelings of loss and nostalgia.
  • Shakespeare referenced sepulchres in his plays to discuss themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.

Architecture

  • The architectural design of a sepulchre can vary widely, from simple stone structures to elaborate mausoleums adorned with sculptures.
  • Throughout history, notable sepulchres, like that of the Taj Mahal, showcase the artistic expression and culture of their time.
  • Many sepulchres are located within larger cemetery complexes, which serve as historical records of societal changes.

Historical Context

  • In ancient civilizations, sepulchres were often built for royalty, showcasing the importance of burial practices in establishing social hierarchies.
  • During the Roman Empire, elaborate sepulchres became symbols of status and were frequently decorated with intricate carvings.
  • In various cultures, the construction of a sepulchre was also believed to be a way to honor the deceased and ensure their peaceful rest.

Origin of 'sepulchre'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sepulcrum', meaning burial place.
  • It traces further back to the Proto-Indo-European root *sepel-, which means to bury.
  • In Old English, the term was also linked with the act of laying to rest.

The word 'sepulchre' originated from the Latin word 'sepulcrum', which means a burial place or tomb. It has been used in English since the 13th century to refer to a place of burial or to the act of burying someone. Sepulchres have played an important role in various cultures and religions throughout history, serving as final resting places for the deceased and often being adorned with symbols of remembrance and respect.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,751, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.