adj
posthumous
POS-chuu-muhs
Posthumous (adj) means happening or given after a person's death. Example: “The soldier received a posthumous medal for his bravery.”
adj
1
Happening or given after a person's death.
"The soldier received a posthumous medal for his bravery."
"Her posthumous novel was published two years after she died."
"Posthumous orphans never even knew their fathers."
"Artists obscure during their life often receive posthumous recognition, too late for them to enjoy."
How to use posthumous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that happens after someone has died — an award, a book, a birth, a reputation.
Common pairings
posthumous award
posthumous release
posthumous recognition
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Etymology
From Latin posthumus, a respelling of postumus ('last,' the superlative of posterus, 'following'). The 'h' was added later because people wrongly linked the word to humus ('ground'), thinking of burial.
Synonyms
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post mortem
post obitum
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for posthumous
See all rhymes for posthumous →Frequently asked questions
What does “posthumous” mean?
The word “posthumous” means happening or given after a person's death. In plain terms, something that happens after someone has died — an award, a book, a birth, a reputation.
How do you pronounce “posthumous”?
“Posthumous” is pronounced POS-chuu-muhs (/ˈpɑs.t͡ʃə.məs/ in IPA).
How do you use “posthumous” in a sentence?
Here is “posthumous” used in a sentence: “The soldier received a posthumous medal for his bravery.”
What is another word for “posthumous”?
Words with a similar meaning to “posthumous” include post mortem and post obitum.
What is the opposite of “posthumous”?
The opposite of “posthumous” — its antonyms — are anthumous, antemortem, predeath, prehumous and premortem.
What part of speech is “posthumous”?
“Posthumous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “posthumous” come from?
The word “posthumous” comes from Latin. From Latin posthumus, a respelling of postumus ('last,' the superlative of posterus, 'following'). The 'h' was added later because people wrongly linked the word to humus ('ground'), thinking of burial.
