last rites
C1Formal / Religious / Figurative
Definition
Meaning
The religious ceremonies and prayers performed for a person who is dying or has just died, particularly in the Roman Catholic and some other Christian traditions.
Used metaphorically to describe any final act, ceremony, or procedure performed before an inevitable conclusion or termination.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This term is strongly associated with finality and spiritual transition. It implies a point of no return, whether literal or metaphorical. The plural form 'rites' is always used.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in primary meaning. The term 'Anointing of the Sick' is now more theologically common in both regions for the sacrament, but 'last rites' remains the popular term for the final prayers before death.
Connotations
Equally solemn and formal in both dialects.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly more likely in religious or literary contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [priest/vicar] [administered/performed] the last rites (for/to [person]).[Person] [received] the last rites (from [religious figure]).They [called/sent for] a priest to give the last rites.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It was the last rites for the old policy.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The board's vote was the last rites for the failing division.'
Academic
Found in historical, religious studies, and literary analysis texts discussing death rituals.
Everyday
Used in discussions of death, funerals, or metaphorically for endings (e.g., a sports team's defeat).
Technical
Specific theological term within pastoral care and liturgy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The hospital chaplain will last-rites the patient if the family consents. (Note: This is a rare, non-standard verbal use.)
American English
- (Standard verbal use does not exist; the term is a noun phrase. One 'administers' or 'performs' the last rites.)
adjective
British English
- The last-rites ceremony was profoundly moving. (Note: Hyphenated adjectival use is possible but rare.)
American English
- The last rites sacrament is a cornerstone of their faith. (Noun used attributively.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The priest visited the sick man.
- The family asked the priest to come and give the last rites to their grandfather.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LAST moments + sacred RITES (rituals) = final religious ceremonies.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEATH IS A JOURNEY (the rites prepare/equip for it). ENDINGS ARE DEATHS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите как 'последние права'. Это ложный друг. Правильно: 'последнее напутствие', 'соборование' (для таинства), 'отходная молитва'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'last rite' (singular is incorrect).
- Confusing with 'last rights' (a common misspelling).
- Using in overly casual contexts where 'final act' would be more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical business context, 'to give something its last rites' means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While most strongly associated with Catholicism, similar deathbed rituals exist in other Christian denominations (e.g., Anglican, Lutheran) and other religions, though the specific term is predominantly Christian.
'Extreme unction' is an older, more specific term for the Anointing of the Sick part of the last rites. 'Last rites' is a broader, more common term that can include confession, communion, and prayers.
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically in journalism and general writing to signify the final, definitive end of something (e.g., a project, a tradition, a career).
Because it traditionally refers to a set of multiple rituals (prayers, anointing, confession, communion) performed together, not a single act.