Pronunciation: [ɹˈɛkwɪˌɛm] (IPA) 
The word "requiem" (/ˈrɛkwɪəm/) refers to a musical composition or mass for the repose of the souls of the dead. This term has a Latin origin and is spelled with the letters R-E-Q-U-I-E-M. The first syllable is pronounced as "reck" with a long E sound, followed by a "w" sound for the letter Q. The word continues with the "ee" sound in the second syllable, and the final syllable is pronounced with an "um" sound, similar to "thee-um."
A requiem is a noun that refers to a musical composition or a religious service performed for the deceased. It is derived from the Latin word "requies" which means rest. Typically, a requiem is a solemn and mournful musical piece that is performed during a funeral or memorial service, often accompanied by a choir and orchestra. It serves as a musical prayer, honoring and remembering the departed. Requiems are generally written in Latin, although there are also compositions in other languages.
In addition to its musical connotation, the term "requiem" can also describe a memorial mass or funeral liturgy conducted in the Roman Catholic Church. In this context, it often includes specific prayers and rituals, such as the offering of prayers for the repose of the soul and the Communion of the faithful. It provides solace and consolation to the grieving, bringing a sense of peace and closure to those in mourning.
Metaphorically, the word "requiem" can also be used to signify a farewell or a final tribute to something or someone that has come to an end. It can be a poetic way to express the mourning or the acceptance of the passing of an era, an event, a relationship, or any significant aspect of one's life. In such cases, it encapsulates the emotions of loss, reflection, and reverence that accompany the departure or conclusion of a chapter.
A grand musical composition performed in the R. Cath. Ch. in honour of a deceased person, so called from "requiem," the first of the Latin words of the hymn; a musical mass for the repose of the soul 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 "requiem" comes from the Latin phrase "requiem aeternam" which means "eternal rest". It is derived from the Latin verb "requiescere", which means "to rest". The term "requiem" originally referred to a traditional Catholic Mass for the repose of the soul of the deceased. Over time, it has also come to refer to musical compositions or pieces that are performed during these Masses or any other memorial services for the dead.
