Definition

1. Noun:
   • A Mass for the dead: A requiem is a Catholic Mass celebrated for the repose of the soul(s) of one or more deceased persons.
   • A musical composition for such a Mass: A requiem is a musical setting of the text for the Requiem Mass.
   • Any piece of music or song of mourning: By extension, a requiem can refer to any musical composition, song, or hymn performed in memory of a dead person.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The priest will celebrate a requiem for the victims of the disaster.
  • Mozart's Requiem is one of the most famous pieces of classical music.
  • The poet wrote a moving requiem for his late friend.

Advanced Usage

• "Requiem for...": Often used in titles of artistic works to signify a lament or memorial for a person, concept, or era.
  • The film serves as a requiem for the age of silent cinema.

Variants and Related Words

• Requiem Mass (n phrase): The full name for the liturgical service.
  • The family requested a Requiem Mass.

Synonyms

• Dirge: A mournful song, piece of music, or poem, typically for a funeral.
• Elegy: A poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead.
• Threnody: A song, hymn, or poem of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person.

Related Phrases

• To sing a requiem: To perform a song of mourning.
  • The choir sang a requiem at the memorial service.

Noun

1. a Mass celebrated for the dead
2. a musical setting for a Mass celebrating the dead
3. a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person