pyre

/'paiə/

Friendly

The word "pyre" is a noun that refers to a large pile of wood that is built to burn a dead body, usually as part of a funeral ceremony. This practice is known as cremation and has been used in various cultures throughout history.

Simple Explanation:

• A pyre is a structure made of wood where someone’s body is placed to be burned during a funeral.

Example:

• In ancient times, people would often create a pyre on which to burn the body of a warrior as a way to honor them.

Advanced Usage:

• The term "pyre" can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is being destroyed or transformed in a significant way. For example, someone might say, "Her dreams went up in a pyre of disappointment," meaning that her hopes were completely destroyed.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "pyre," but related words include:
  • Pyric (adjective): Pertaining to or resembling fire.
  • Pyr (prefix): Relating to fire (used in words like "pyrotechnics").

Different Meanings:

• Pyre primarily refers to the funeral context. It doesn’t have many different meanings outside of this specific use.

Synonyms:

• Funeral pyre (specific term for the pyre used in funerals)
• Bonfire (though this is typically for larger fires not specifically for bodies)
• Cremation pile (another descriptive term)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs related directly to the word "pyre."

Usage Instructions:

• Use "pyre" when discussing historical or cultural practices related to death and cremation. It is a more formal or literary word, so it might be used in stories, poems, or discussions about traditions.

Summary:

In summary, a pyre is a pile of wood used to burn a body during a funeral rite.

Academic

Noun

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

Synonyms

• funeral pyre