B1verb1K

Bury

UK /["/ˈberi/","/ˈberiz/","/ˈberid/","/ˈberiɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈberi/","/ˈberiz/","/ˈberid/","/ˈberiɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to place a dead body in the ground

In simple words: To put something in the ground and cover it with soil.

Examples

  • She decided to bury the time capsule in her backyard.
  • During the funeral, they planned to bury their beloved pet in the garden.
  • He tried to bury his feelings about the breakup, but it was hard.
  • After the argument, she felt the need to bury the hatchet and make peace.
  • The archaeologists worked to carefully bury the ancient artifacts to preserve them.

Usage notes

Use 'bury' when referring to interring something, like a body or treasure, underground. Avoid in formal contexts when discussing burial rights or graves.

Grammar pattern

bury + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'very' — imagine burying something very precious underground.

Collocations

  • be dead and buried
  • bury somebody alive
  • lie buried
  • deep
  • underground
  • completely
  • partially
  • be buried alive
  • buried beneath something
  • buried under something
  • completely
  • partially
  • be buried alive
  • buried beneath something
  • buried under something
  • deep
  • deeply

Synonyms

  • inter
  • entomb
  • inclose
  • cover
  • hide

Antonyms

  • unearth
  • dig up

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'barry', a name.
  • Using 'bury' with an item that's not meant to be hidden.
  • Saying 'burying' when referring to something that isn’t actually covered.