Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/βe.laˈto.ɾjo/

Translation Options into English

• Wake
• Vigil
• Funeral parlor

Meaning and Use

"Velatorio" refers to the place where a deceased person is kept and where family and friends gather to pay their respects before the burial or cremation. It can also denote the actual gathering or wake held in the proximity of the deceased. The term is frequently used in the context of funerals and mourning in Spanish-speaking cultures. It appears more often in written contexts, such as in literary works, formal announcements, or articles about customs and traditions.

Example Sentences

1. El velatorio se realizó en la casa del difunto.
   (The wake was held at the deceased's house.)

2. Mañana iremos al velatorio para apoyar a la familia.
   (Tomorrow we will go to the wake to support the family.)

3. El velatorio comenzó a las cuatro de la tarde.
   (The vigil started at four in the afternoon.)

Idiomatic Expressions

While "velatorio" does not have a wide range of idiomatic expressions, it is often used in phrases related to mourning and funerals. Here are some expressions associated with "velatorio":

1. Hacer un velatorio
   (To set up a wake)
   Ejemplo: La comunidad decidió hacer un velatorio para recordar a su líder fallecido.
   (The community decided to set up a wake to remember their deceased leader.)

2. Asistir al velatorio
   (To attend the wake)
   Ejemplo: Todos estaban tristes por tener que asistir al velatorio esta semana.
   (Everyone was sad to have to attend the wake this week.)

3. Velatorio inolvidable
   (Unforgettable wake)
   Ejemplo: El velatorio fue inolvidable, lleno de recuerdos y honores al fallecido.
   (The wake was unforgettable, filled with memories and honors to the deceased.)

4. Velatorio íntimo
   (Intimate vigil)
   Ejemplo: La familia optó por un velatorio íntimo para los amigos más cercanos.
   (The family opted for an intimate vigil for their closest friends.)

Etymology

The term "velatorio" comes from the Spanish word "vela," meaning "candle." Historically, wakes often involve the lighting of candles around the deceased. The suffix "-torio" indicates a place or an action, thus referring to a place associated with the act of mourning and honoring the dead.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Funeral - Vigil - Funeral home (in some contexts)

Antonyms: - Celebración (Celebration) - Fiesta (Party)

In summary, "velatorio" is deeply embedded in the cultural practices surrounding death and mourning in the Spanish-speaking world and carries significant emotional connotations.