What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grave
Example
We visited my grandfather's grave at the cemetery. [grave: noun]
Example
The news of the accident put us in a grave mood. [grave: adjective]
Example
The situation is quite grave and requires immediate attention. [grave: adjective]
sepulchre
Example
The pharaoh's remains were laid to rest in a grand sepulchre. [sepulchre: noun]
Example
The priest led the procession to the sepulchre for the final rites. [sepulchre: noun]
Example
The archaeologists discovered a hidden sepulchre dating back to the Roman era. [sepulchre: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grave is more commonly used than sepulchre in everyday language, especially in American English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grave and sepulchre?
Both grave and sepulchre are formal words, but sepulchre may be considered more formal due to its religious and historical associations.
