Last Rites

Pronunciation: /læst raɪts/

Definitions of last rites

noun a religious ceremony or ritual performed for a person who is near death or has recently died

Example Sentences

A1 The priest performed the last rites for the deceased.

A2 In some cultures, it is important to perform the last rites for a person who has passed away.

B1 The family gathered at the hospital to witness the last rites being performed.

B2 After the accident, the injured person was given the last rites by a priest.

C1 The last rites ceremony was a solemn and emotional event for all those in attendance.

C2 The priest recited the prayers for the last rites with reverence and respect.

Examples of last rites in a Sentence

formal The priest administered the last rites to the dying patient in the hospital.

informal The family gathered around to say their final goodbyes before the last rites were performed.

slang I heard they called in the priest to do the last rites for that poor guy who got in the accident.

figurative As the company went bankrupt, it felt like they were performing the last rites on their once thriving business.

Grammatical Forms of last rites

• plural: last rites
• present tense: performing last rites
• future tense: will perform last rites
• perfect tense: have performed last rites
• continuous tense: are performing last rites
• singular: last rite
• positive degree: important rite
• infinitive: to perform last rites
• gerund: performing last rites
• participle: performed last rites

Origin and Evolution of last rites

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The term 'last rites' originated from the Catholic Church's sacrament of Extreme Unction, which was administered to a person who was near death.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'last rites' has come to be used more broadly to refer to the final prayers or religious rites given to a person who is dying, regardless of their religious affiliation.