verb
Common
inter
ihn-TUR
Inter (verb) means to bury a body in the ground or in a tomb. Example: “The villagers gathered to inter the old teacher beside his wife.”
verb
1
To bury a body in the ground or in a tomb.
"The villagers gathered to inter the old teacher beside his wife."
"Families may choose to inter a loved one in the local cemetery."
"The remains were interred in the family plot."
How to use inter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal word for "bury."
When to use it
Formal; typically used in official, legal, or ceremonial contexts rather than everyday speech.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- inters
- Past tense
- interred
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The villagers gathered to _____ the old teacher beside his wife.
Etymology
From Old French enterrer, from Vulgar Latin interrare, "to put into the earth."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for inter
See all rhymes for inter →Frequently asked questions
What does “inter” mean?
The word “inter” means to bury a body in the ground or in a tomb. In plain terms, a formal word for "bury.".
How do you pronounce “inter”?
“Inter” is pronounced ihn-TUR (/ɪnˈtɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “inter” in a sentence?
Here is “inter” used in a sentence: “The remains were interred in the family plot.”
What part of speech is “inter”?
“Inter” is a verb.
Where does the word “inter” come from?
The word “inter” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French enterrer, from Vulgar Latin interrare, "to put into the earth.".
Is “inter” a common word?
“Inter” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "inter" and "bury"?
Both mean to place a body in the ground or a tomb, but "inter" is a formal, ceremonial term used mainly in writing, funerals, and legal contexts. "Bury" is the everyday word and also covers hiding or covering anything, not just the dead.
What is the difference between "inter" and "intern"?
To "inter" means to bury a body in the ground or a tomb. To "intern" means to confine someone, such as during wartime, or to work as a trainee. They sound similar but have very different meanings, so they should not be confused.
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