Interment vs. Internment: What’s the Difference?

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English can be tricky when two words look almost the same but mean very different things. A common example is “interment” and “internment.” This article will explain the difference between interment vs. internment in simple language. We’ll look at their definitions, origins, grammar, examples, and common mistakes.

Interment vs. Internment: the Overview

What Does “Interment” Mean?

Definition of Interment

Interment (noun) means the act of burying a dead body in a grave, tomb, or cemetery.

• Example: The interment took place at the city cemetery.

• Example: Family members attended the interment ceremony after the funeral.

Usage of Interment

• Used in funeral announcements, obituaries, and formal writing.

• Always connected to death, funerals, and burials.

• Common phrases:

  • place of interment

  • time of interment

  • interment service

What Does “Internment” Mean?

Definition of Internment

Internment (noun) means the act of confining or imprisoning people, often during wartime or political conflict.

• Example: The government ordered the internment of enemy soldiers.

• Example: Thousands of people were sent to internment camps during the war.

Usage of Internment

• Appears in historical, political, and military contexts.

• Related to detention, not burial.

• Common phrases:

  • internment camp

  • civilian internment

  • wartime internment

Interment vs. Internment: the Key Difference

Interment vs. Internment in History

Historical Use of Interment

• Interment has been practiced in all cultures for centuries.

• It refers to the burial of the dead, whether in simple graves, tombs, or ceremonial sites.

• Example: The ancient Egyptians practiced interment in elaborate tombs.

Historical Use of Internment

• Internment is connected to war and politics.

• Example: During World War II, Japanese Americans were forced into internment camps in the United States.

• Example: Civilians in Europe also faced internment during conflicts.

Grammar: How to Use Interment vs. Internment

Part of Speech

Both are nouns.

• Interment: the act of burying a dead body.

• Internment: the act of confining people.

Verbs Related to Each

• Interment → to inter (verb = to bury).

  • She was interred in the family cemetery.

• Internment → to intern (verb = to confine).

  • Prisoners of war were interned in the camp.

Examples in Sentences

With Interment

• The interment ceremony will follow the funeral service.

• His interment was held in a quiet countryside cemetery.

• The place of interment is marked with a simple stone.

• The family gathered for interment at the memorial park.

• Interment traditions vary across cultures and religions.

With Internment

• The government ordered the internment of political prisoners.

• Internment camps were used during the war.

• He wrote a memoir about his time in internment.

• The internment of innocent civilians remains a dark chapter in history.

• Internment often leads to loss of freedom and dignity.

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