What is bury? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "bury" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Literal Burial (Most Common)

• Meaning: To cover something (usually a body) with earth or other material. This is the most basic and widely understood meaning.
• Examples:
  • “The gravedigger carefully buried the deceased.”
  • “The ancient city was buried beneath the sands.”
  • “Archaeologists are trying to bury the remains of the Roman emperor.”

2. Figurative - To Hide or Conceal

• Meaning: To hide something, often a secret, problem, or emotion, so that it's not readily known or apparent. This is a very common usage.
• Examples:
  • “She tried to bury her feelings of sadness.”
  • “He buried the evidence to protect himself.”
  • “The corporation buried the bad news about the product’s defects.”
  • "Don't bury your talents – share them with the world."

3. Figurative - To Forget or Suppress

• Meaning: Similar to hiding, but focuses on a psychological process of pushing something away from awareness.
• Examples:
  • “He buried his childhood memories in alcohol.”
  • “Years of trauma can bury a person under layers of denial.”

4. As a Verb (Related to Covering or Enclosing)

• Meaning: To cover or encompass something completely.
• Examples:
  • "The snow buried the trees." (Covered them)
  • “The darkness buried the stage." (Enclosed it)

5. Phrases Using "Bury"

• Bury the hatchet: To make peace; to end a conflict. ("Let's bury the hatchet and move on.")
• Bury the lead: (Journalism) To suppress important information to avoid panic or negative publicity.
• Bury the truth: To conceal the truth; to lie.

6. As a Noun (Less Common)

• Meaning: A grave or tomb; a pit.
• Examples:
  • “He visited the bury and laid flowers on his father’s grave.”

Tips for Using “Bury” Correctly:

• Consider the Context: The meaning of “bury” is heavily dependent on the context. Pay attention to what is being hidden or covered.
• Figurative vs. Literal: Be mindful of whether you’re using "bury" in its literal sense of burial or in its figurative sense of concealment.

Resources for Further Learning:

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bury
• Cambridge Dictionary: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/bury

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