Understanding “Obituary”: Definition and Synonyms
Obituary – Definition and Part of Speech
An obituary is a noun referring to a notice, typically in a newspaper or periodical, that announces a person’s death and provides a short biography or summary of their life. It serves both as an announcement and a tribute, often detailing the deceased’s accomplishments, family information, and funeral arrangements.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Death notice | A straightforward announcement of someone’s death. | “The local newspaper published a death notice for the well-known author.” | Formal/Business |
| Memorial tribute | Focuses more on honoring and remembering the deceased. | “A memorial tribute was held to celebrate her life and contributions to charity.” | Formal/Casual |
| Eulogy | Often read aloud during funeral services, focusing on praise. | “During the service, her brother delivered a heartfelt eulogy.” | Formal/Religious |
| Necrology | A list or compilation of obituaries in one publication. | “The weekend edition included a necrology of notable community figures.” | Academic/Formal |
Usage Notes
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Obituary and its synonyms are primarily used in contexts relating to death announcements, such as newspapers, funeral services, or online memorials.
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Death notice: This is the most straightforward term for informing others about someone’s passing. It is typically more concise than an obituary and may be preferred in formal or business communications due to its brevity.
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Memorial tribute: Often used in both formal and casual settings, this emphasizes remembering and honoring the deceased’s life, making it suitable for occasions where a deeper personal reflection is appropriate.
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Eulogy: Commonly associated with speeches given during funeral services. It tends to be more expressive and reflective than an obituary or death notice.
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Necrology: This term is more academic in nature and refers specifically to collections of death notices or obituaries, often seen in publications that provide a historical record.
Common Pitfalls
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Confusing eulogy with obituary: While both are related to commemorating the deceased, an eulogy is usually a speech given at the funeral service, whereas an obituary is typically printed text.
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Overlooking context-specific preferences: For example, “death notice” might be used in business communications due to its brevity and directness, while “eulogy” would be inappropriate unless referring specifically to spoken tributes at a service.
Final Recap
The word obituary refers to an announcement of death that includes details about the person’s life. Key synonyms include:
- Death notice: A simple announcement.
- Memorial tribute: An honoring piece, often with emotional depth.
- Eulogy: A spoken tribute during a service.
- Necrology: A compilation of multiple obituaries.
Understanding these nuances helps choose the appropriate synonym based on context and register. To master their usage, practice integrating them into different sentences or conversations—whether in writing articles, preparing speeches, or participating in discussions about life tributes.