tower of silence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Academic, Technical (Religious/Anthropological)
Quick answer
What does “tower of silence” mean?
A circular, raised structure used in Zoroastrian funerary practices where bodies are exposed to scavenging birds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A circular, raised structure used in Zoroastrian funerary practices where bodies are exposed to scavenging birds.
A structure or concept representing isolation, finality, or a place where something is left to decay or be forgotten; sometimes used metaphorically to describe a remote, inaccessible, or abandoned place.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries strong cultural and religious connotations related to Zoroastrianism. May evoke themes of mortality, ritual, and cultural difference.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, encountered almost exclusively in texts about Zoroastrianism, comparative religion, or specific regional studies (e.g., India, Iran).
Grammar
How to Use “tower of silence” in a Sentence
The tower of silence [is located/stands] [prepositional phrase]They practice [ritual] at the tower of silence.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in anthropology, religious studies, and history papers discussing Zoroastrian death rituals.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The precise term for the structure within studies of Zoroastrianism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tower of silence”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tower of silence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tower of silence”
- Using it as a general metaphor for any quiet place (incorrect).
- Confusing it with a watchtower or lighthouse.
- Misspelling as 'tower of silence' (lowercase).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are funerary sites, a tower of silence is specifically for exposure of bodies to birds and elements, not for burial or cremation.
Primarily in India (e.g., Mumbai), where the Parsi community practices, and in Iran, though many are now historical sites.
The name reflects the silent, non-burning method of disposal and the quiet, solemn nature of the site.
Rarely, and only in literary contexts to describe an utterly quiet, isolated, or abandoned place, often with a somber tone.
A circular, raised structure used in Zoroastrian funerary practices where bodies are exposed to scavenging birds.
Tower of silence is usually formal, academic, technical (religious/anthropological) in register.
Tower of silence: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtaʊər əv ˈsaɪləns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtaʊər əv ˈsaɪləns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A silent TOWER where the dead are left, following a Zoroastrian custom.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEATH IS SILENT EXPOSURE; TRADITION IS A STRUCTURE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a 'tower of silence'?