interment
C2formal, official, legal
Definition
Meaning
The burial of a dead body.
The formal ceremony or act of placing a deceased person in the earth, a tomb, or a mausoleum.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to the *act* or *ceremony* of burial. Distinct from 'internment', which means imprisonment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both use it as a formal term for burial.
Connotations
Both carry solemn, official, and legal connotations.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American official/legal contexts (e.g., 'interment permit'), but overall equally formal and low-frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the interment of [person/remains]interment at/in [location]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in context of cemetery or funeral home services.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, and legal studies (e.g., 'ancient interment practices').
Everyday
Very rare; 'burial' or 'funeral' are used instead.
Technical
Standard in legal documents (wills, death certificates), mortuary science, and military protocols.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The remains will be interred in the family plot.
American English
- She was interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
adjective
British English
- The interment service was brief and moving.
American English
- An interment permit is required.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The interment was held on a rainy afternoon.
- Following the ceremony, the interment took place in the nearby cemetery.
- The will specified that her interment should be a private affair with only immediate family present.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
INTERment = put IN TERra (earth).
Conceptual Metaphor
DEATH IS SLEEP (e.g., final resting place)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'интернирование' (internment).
- Closest is 'захоронение' or formal 'погребение'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing spelling with 'internment' (imprisonment).
- Using in casual conversation instead of 'burial'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'interment'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Interment' means burial. 'Internment' means the imprisonment of people, often in wartime.
No, it is a formal, low-frequency word used primarily in official, legal, and ceremonial contexts. 'Burial' is far more common.
Traditionally, no. It specifically implies burial in the ground or a tomb. The placement of cremated remains is often called 'inurnment'.
It is a noun. The related verb is 'to inter'.