Funeral

Definition

Funeral refers to a ceremony or service held in honor and memory of a person who has died, often with their body present, followed by the burial or cremation.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfjunərəl/
• Respelling: FYOO-nuh-rul (with "FYOO" as in "few," "nuh" as in "sofa," and "rul" as in "rule")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfjuːnərəl/
• Respelling: FYOO-nuh-rul (with "FYOO" as in "few," "nuh" as in "sofa," and "rul" as in "rule")

In both dialects, "funeral" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "FYOO." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "FYOO-nuh-rul."

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English word "funerail", which came from the Old French word "funeraile", rooted in the medieval Latin "funerālia", meaning funeral rites, which is a derivative of "fūnus", meaning death rites or corpse.

Derivatives

• Funereal (adjective)
• Funeralize (verb, archaic)
• Funeral director (noun)
• Funeral home (noun)
• Funeral procession (noun)

Synonyms

• Memorial service
• Committal service
• Last rites

Antonyms

• Birth
• Christening
• Celebration

Usage

Funerals are a universal practice across cultures and religions, though the specific rites and customs vary widely. They often involve a gathering of the deceased’s family and friends, readings, eulogies, prayers, and music. Funerals can be religious or secular, and they provide an opportunity for the community to express grief, offer condolences, and reflect on the life of the deceased.

Related Terms

• Eulogy
• Burial
• Cremation
• Wake
• Mourning

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A Ceremony Marking a Death: A formal event held to honor and remember a person who has died, typically involving a procession and a service at a religious or secular venue.
  • Example: The family held a traditional funeral service followed by a burial at the cemetery.

• Process of Burial or Cremation: The entire process involving the preparation and final disposition of the body.
  • Example: After the funeral, the body was cremated according to the deceased's wishes.

• Related to a Funeral: Describing something associated with or appropriate for a funeral, often somber or mournful in tone.
  • Example: The music at the ceremony was deeply funereal, reflecting the gravity of the occasion.