What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crypt
Example
The crypt beneath the church was used to bury important members of the congregation. [crypt: noun]
Example
The cryptographer spent hours trying to decode the cryptic message. [cryptic: adjective]
tomb
Example
The pharaoh's tomb was filled with treasures and artifacts. [tomb: noun]
Example
The family visited the tomb of their ancestors to pay their respects. [tomb: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tomb is more commonly used than crypt in everyday language. Tomb is a more familiar term that is widely used to refer to burial structures or markers, while crypt is less common and more specific to certain contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crypt and tomb?
Both crypt and tomb can be used in formal and informal contexts, but crypt may be considered more formal due to its association with religious ceremonies and valuable objects.
