student asking question

What's the difference between "memorial service" and "funeral?"

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

A "funeral service" and a "memorial service" are similar. They are both services to honour the deceased. However, a "funeral" is when the body is present during the service, a "memorial service" is when the body is not present. Ex: That was a beautiful memorial service. My great aunt would have loved the stories told. Ex: It was hard to see the casket at the funeral service. But it was good to be there.

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