Origin: Latin suffix -ary
Obituary has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
A brief notice of a person’s death, as published in a newspaper.
"The local newspaper printed his obituary yesterday to inform the community of his passing."
In plain English: An obituary is a short article that announces someone's death and shares details about their life.
"The newspaper printed her obituary on the front page yesterday."
Usage: Do not confuse this term with "eulogy," which refers to a speech praising the deceased rather than a printed announcement. While often found in newspapers, obituaries can also appear online or within family newsletters as brief biographical notices.
Relating to the death of a person.
"The newspaper published an obituary notice in honor of the community leader who passed away last week."
"The obituary notice in today's paper listed the names of several local veterans who passed away last year."
The word "obituary" comes from the Medieval Latin term obituārius, which literally means "relating to death." It entered English with this specific meaning, combining the root for death with a suffix that indicates something pertaining to another concept.