Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-03-20 Origin: Site
We have discussed some of the evolution of the words "headstone", "tombstone" and "gravestone". But it is still difficult to remember the nuances between them Here, we use the definition of each word in a simple sentence. These sentences summarize the original definitions of each word and place their modern usage in context.
Headstone
The word headstone was once a synonym for cornerstone. Currently, it is used to describe an upright stone at the head of a grave.
A headstone contains information like the name of the deceased and the dates of their birth and death. It might also feature a memorial quote or a picture of the deceased.
Tombstone
The word tombstone was once used to describe the lid of a stone coffin back in the mid-1500s.
Over time, its definition changed. Now it describes the upright stone that sits at the head of a grave. This stone will contain the deceased’s name, as well as the dates they were born and died on. Some tombstones will include an epitaph or even a likeness of the deceased.
Gravestone
Gravestones were once used to describe a large stone slab that covered a grave. The slab might have been inscribed with information about the deceased. It could include their name, the dates when they lived and died, and an epitaph.
It might also have included decorative elements like gravestone symbols. These days, a grave ledger would be the closest to what a gravestone originally described. A gravestone in modern parlance is used synonymously with headstone and tombstone.
The meaning of a word will change over time:
The end of a person's life is a sad and sad time. Talking about the decorations that accompany our rituals around death can be frightening. Your task may be to choose a tombstone for the person you love. Or you may want to ask what your loved one's deathbed arrangements are. But it's easy to get stuck.
"Headstone", "tombstone" and "gravestone" used to have very different meanings. But over time, they evolved the same meaning. When discussing tombstones, any of these words is clear and appropriate. Using one word instead of another does not violate some obscure tombstone etiquette.
