interred
LowFormal, Literary, Legal
Definition
Meaning
To place (a dead body) in a grave or tomb; to bury.
Figuratively, to put something to rest or consign it to a place of oblivion (e.g., old ideas, a feud).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used for human burial, often with connotations of ceremony or finality. Distinct from 'buried', which is more general. 'Interred' specifically refers to the act of placing in a grave, tomb, or mausoleum.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage patterns.
Connotations
Slightly more common in formal/legal contexts in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and formal in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + interred + [Object] + (in/at [Location])[Subject] + be + interred + (in/at [Location])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “safely interred (figurative, meaning an issue is finally settled)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in discussions of cemetery/ funeral home services.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, and anthropological texts discussing burial practices.
Everyday
Very rare. 'Buried' is used almost exclusively.
Technical
Used in legal documents (wills, death certificates) and forensic reports.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The war poet was interred with full military honours in Westminster Abbey.
- Her ashes were interred in the family plot in the local churchyard.
American English
- The former president was interred at the national cemetery.
- The time capsule was interred beneath the courthouse cornerstone in 1921.
adjective
British English
- The interred remains were the subject of the archaeological study.
- A plaque marks the interred soldier's final resting place.
American English
- The location of the interred treasure was a closely guarded secret.
- Rights of access to the interred individual are governed by state law.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The king was interred in a large tomb.
- They interred her next to her husband.
- After the state funeral, the dignitary was interred in the national cathedral.
- The ancient manuscript described how pharaohs were interred with their possessions.
- The treaty aimed to ensure that soldiers' remains, once interred, would not be disturbed.
- Having interred the grievances of the past, the two communities finally moved toward reconciliation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of INTERnational RED Cross aiding in formal ceremonies. INTERred is the formal, 'international' version of 'buried'.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEATH IS SLEEP / A JOURNEY TO A FINAL RESTING PLACE (e.g., 'interred in peace').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'interested' (заинтересованный).
- The Russian verb 'хоронить' is less formal; 'interred' implies a more official/ceremonial act.
- Avoid literal translation from Russian phrases like 'положить в землю'; 'interred' is more specific.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing spelling: 'intered' (missing one 'r').
- Using it in informal contexts where 'buried' is expected.
- Incorrect preposition: 'interred to' instead of 'interred in/at'.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'interred' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. While it can be used for animals in very formal or poetic contexts (e.g., a beloved pet), 'buried' is standard. For objects, 'buried' or 'entombed' is preferred.
'Buried' is the general, everyday term for placing something underground. 'Interred' is more formal, specific to human remains, and often implies a ceremonial act within a designated place like a grave, tomb, or mausoleum.
The base verb is 'inter'. 'Interred' is the past tense and past participle. So, you would say 'They will inter the body tomorrow', but 'The body was interred yesterday'.
Its Latin origin (from 'in-' + 'terra' meaning 'earth'), its specific funerary context, and its rarity in casual conversation grant it a formal, solemn, and sometimes legalistic register.
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