funeral pyre

Friendly

Explanation of "Funeral Pyre"

Definition: A "funeral pyre" is a pile of wood that is set on fire to burn a dead body as part of a funeral ritual. This practice is often associated with certain cultures and religions.

Usage Instructions

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Countability: It is usually used in the singular form (one funeral pyre), but you can also use it in the plural form (funeral pyres) when referring to multiple instances.

Example Sentence

• "In some cultures, families build a funeral pyre by the river to honor their loved ones after they pass away."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced discussions, the term can be used metaphorically to describe the idea of letting go of the past or releasing old memories. For example: - "After the breakup, she felt like she had to create a funeral pyre for their relationship to move on."

Word Variants

• Funeral (adjective): Related to a funeral. Example: "funeral services"
• Pyre (noun): A general term for a heap of combustible material, but when combined with "funeral," it specifically refers to the wood used for cremation.

Different Meanings

The word "pyre" by itself can refer to any pile of materials that can be burned. However, when combined with "funeral," it specifically relates to cremation practices.

Synonyms

• Cremation pile
• Cremation pyre
• Burning pile (though less formal)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that use "funeral pyre," but you might encounter phrases like "to light a pyre," which means to set the pyre on fire as part of the funeral process.

Summary

A funeral pyre is a specific cultural practice involving a pile of wood used to burn a deceased person's body. It's an important ritual in some traditions and signifies respect and remembrance for the dead.

Academic

Noun

1. wood heaped for burning a dead body as a funeral rite

Synonyms

• pyre