Burial

Definition

Burial refers to the act of placing a deceased person or animal into the ground, typically as part of funeral rites. It is a method of interring remains, often accompanied by rituals, to honor the deceased.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbɛriəl/
• Respelling: BEH-ree-uhl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbɛriəl/
• Respelling: BEH-ree-uhl

Etymology

The word "burial" originates from the Old English word "byrġels," meaning "grave" or "tomb." It is related to the verb "byrgan," which means "to inter" or "to bury." The term evolved in Middle English to refer to the act of placing remains in the ground.

Derivatives

• Buried (verb)
• Reburial (noun)
• Unburied (adjective)
• Burial site (noun)
• Burial ground (noun)

Synonyms

• Interment
• Entombment
• Inhumation

Antonyms

• Exhumation
• Disinterment
• Cremation

Usage

The noun "burial" is most commonly used in the context of funeral practices, referring to the act of placing remains in the ground. For example, "The family attended the burial in the cemetery." It is often associated with cultural or religious practices and can refer to both human and animal interment.

Related Terms

• Funeral: A ceremony honoring a deceased person, often associated with burial or cremation.
• Tomb: A structure or chamber in which the deceased are interred.
• Grave: A place in the ground where a body is buried.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The act of placing a deceased person or animal in the ground: Refers to the interment process, often associated with funerary practices.
  • Example: "The burial ceremony included prayers and readings."
• A burial place or grave: Refers to the specific location or ground where a person or animal is interred.
  • Example: "The burial site is marked with a headstone."