What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cemetery
Example
We visited the cemetery to pay our respects to our late grandparents. [cemetery: noun]
Example
The cemetery is beautifully maintained with rows of gravestones. [cemetery: adjective]
graveyard
Example
The old church has a small graveyard behind it. [graveyard: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of peace while walking through the quiet graveyard. [graveyard: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cemetery is more commonly used than graveyard in everyday language, especially in American English. Cemetery is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while graveyard is less common and more specific to certain locations or cultural associations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cemetery and graveyard?
Both cemetery and graveyard are generally considered formal terms. However, cemetery is more commonly used in formal contexts due to its broader usage, while graveyard may have a slightly more informal or poetic connotation.
