graves: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal, often sombre
Quick answer
What does “graves” mean?
Plural of 'grave' — places where dead bodies are buried, typically marked with a stone or mound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Plural of 'grave' — places where dead bodies are buried, typically marked with a stone or mound.
Used metaphorically to refer to places or states associated with death, loss, or the past; also the plural form of the surname 'Grave'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Associated with memorialisation, history, and mortality in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English, with similar contextual frequencies.
Grammar
How to Use “graves” in a Sentence
[adjective] gravesgraves of [noun]graves in [location]graves from [period]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “graves” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The stonemason graves inscriptions with traditional tools.
- She graves the memorial plaque by hand.
American English
- The artist graves detailed designs into the granite.
- He graves the family crest onto the tombstone.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not typically used; may appear in heritage/tourism contexts.
Academic
Common in archaeology, history, anthropology, and literature studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing cemeteries, funerals, family history, or news reports.
Technical
Specific use in forensic archaeology, grave registration, and cemetery management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “graves”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “graves”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “graves”
- Using 'grave' as uncountable (*many grave).
- Misspelling as 'gravs'.
- Confusing with 'groves' (small woods).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very rarely; the verb 'to grave' (meaning to engrave) is archaic and mostly found in historical or poetic contexts.
'Grave' (singular) often refers to death as a concept; 'graves' (plural) typically refers to specific instances or physical manifestations of burial.
Primarily no, though it can be used poetically for places where things are buried or ended (e.g., 'graves of old ambitions').
It is pronounced /z/ (voiced) because the preceding 'v' is voiced: /ɡreɪvz/.
Plural of 'grave' — places where dead bodies are buried, typically marked with a stone or mound.
Graves is usually neutral to formal, often sombre in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dig your own grave”
- “turn in one's grave”
- “from the cradle to the grave”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GRAVES' as 'GRAVE Stones' — the 'S' makes multiple stones.
Conceptual Metaphor
GRAVES ARE FINAL RESTING PLACES; GRAVES ARE SILENT WITNESSES TO HISTORY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'graves' be LEAST appropriate?