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CEFR C2 — Proficiency

Catafalque

Definition

(formal, literary) A decorated platform or structure, typically used to support a coffin or the effigy of a deceased person during a funeral or memorial service, especially for a person of high social status or importance. Often used figuratively to describe a symbolic or metaphorical representation of mourning or commemoration.

Example Sentences

1The catafalque in the cathedral was adorned with flowers and candles, paying tribute to the late bishop.
2In the novel, the author uses the catafalque as a symbol of the protagonist's inner turmoil and grief.
3The museum's exhibit featured a replica of a historical catafalque, highlighting the elaborate funerary practices of ancient civilizations.
4The poet's use of the catafalque as a metaphor for the transience of human life added depth to the elegy.
5The state funeral procession culminated in the placement of the coffin on a grand catafalque in the city square, where thousands gathered to pay their respects.

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