Memorial vs. Funeral 

"Memorial" vs. "Funeral" in English

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both are gatherings related to the deceased. However, a 'funeral' is one that takes place after someone's death in order to grieve for the deceased. It can be in the form of burial or cremation. A 'memorial', on the other hand, is a gathering in which those close to the deceased remind themselves of the one they lost. It can be days or months after someone's death.

Differences

As stated above, a 'memorial' aims to remind people of the deceased. It can take place months after someone's death. There are no burials or cremations in it. Look at the examples below:

Example

It is a memorial to honor her courage and boldness.

The government has decided to plan a memorial for all those lost in the Great War.

A 'funeral', however, mainly focuses on the burial or cremation of the deceased. It takes place shortly after someone's death. All the attendees wear black and it aims at grieving the loss of a loved one. Check out the examples below:

Example

At my funeral, play Metallica and don't cry.

Why don't they serve liquor at a funeral?

Similarities

Both are gathering related to honoring and grieving the deceased. Take a look at the following examples:

Example

They are planning a memorial for a killer who has murdered many innocent people.

There are many funny memes about funerals.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although they are both in the same context, they cannot be used interchangeably. A 'memorial' is a reminder whereas, a 'funeral' includes someone's burial or cremation. Compare:

Example

✓ The City Council has has decided to hold a memorial for John Legend.

✓ The City Council has has decided to hold a funeral for John Legend.

This one is correct but is has a completely different meaning.

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