Definition

Noun: 1. A funeral or burial ceremony: A formal, often religious, service held at a graveside, crematorium, or other final resting place to commit a deceased person's body to the earth or to fire. It is typically the concluding part of a funeral.

Usage

This term is used specifically in the context of funerals and burial rites. It refers to the final act of the funeral process where the body is physically laid to rest. - It is a formal and solemn occasion. - It often follows a separate funeral service (e.g., in a church or funeral home). - The service may include prayers, readings, or final words from a religious leader or family members.

Examples

• The family gathered at the cemetery for the committal service.
• The committal service was brief and private, attended only by close relatives.
• Following the church funeral, a committal service will be held at the crematorium.

Advanced Usage

• "to hold a committal service": to conduct or organize this final ceremony.
  • They will hold a committal service at sunset.
• The term emphasizes the act of (entrusting) the body to its final place, distinguishing it from a memorial service held without the body present.

Variants and Related Words

• Committal (Noun): The act of committing, especially to a final resting place. Often used interchangeably with "committal service" in funeral contexts.
  • The committal was a moving moment.
• Burial service (Noun): A very close synonym, though "burial service" specifically implies interment in the ground, while "committal service" can also apply to cremation or burial at sea.
• Interment service (Noun): Another formal synonym for a burial service.

Synonyms

• Burial ceremony
• Graveside service
• Interment service
• Final rites

Antonyms

• Christening (a ceremony for welcoming a child into a church)
• Wedding ceremony (a ceremony for marriage)

Noun

1. service committing a body to the grave
   • the committal service will be held next Monday