The spelling of the word "cemetery" can be confusing to some because the "e" comes before the "t" and "e" is pronounced differently in each syllable. The correct pronunciation is /ˈsɛmɪtɛri/. The first "e" is pronounced as "eh" while the second "e" is pronounced as "ee." The "t" is silent, which may lead some to mistakenly pronounce it as /ˈsɛmɪtɛriː/, with a pronounced "t" sound at the end. However, the silent "t" is consistent with the word's origin from the Greek word "koimētērion."
A cemetery is a designated area or space where deceased individuals are buried or interred. It is a final resting place where human bodies or ashes are laid to rest, often accompanied by gravestones, tombstones, or other markers that provide information about the deceased. Cemeteries serve as memorial sites, providing a space for loved ones to remember and pay respects to their departed friends or family members.
Typically, cemeteries are located in quiet and peaceful settings, away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. They are carefully planned and organized to accommodate multiple gravesites, often laid out in rows or sections that are marked for easy navigation. Some cemeteries are privately owned, while others are owned and maintained by religious institutions or local governments.
Cemeteries are deeply rooted in various cultural and religious practices, reflecting the beliefs, traditions, and values of different communities. They hold a significant place in society, symbolizing the recognition, respect, and remembrance given to deceased individuals. Cemeteries can be solemn and somber spaces, providing solitude for individuals to grieve or reflect. They also serve as historical archives, containing the stories, lineage, and sometimes notable figures or historical events of a particular region. As such, cemeteries can offer insights into the past, allowing visitors to connect with their cultural heritage and providing researchers with valuable information for genealogical studies or historical research purposes.
A place for the burial of the dead.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "cemetery" comes from the Greek word "koimētērion", which means "sleeping place" or "dormitory". This term was derived from the Greek verb "koiman", meaning "to put to sleep" or "to rest". The concept of a cemetery as a resting place for the dead led to the adoption of the word in various languages, including Latin (cӯmetērium) and eventually English (cemetery).