Which statement best defines a tomb?

Which statement best defines a tomb?

• A. A shallow grave used for temporary burial.
• B. A decorative marker placed on a grave.
• C. A mausoleum that holds multiple caskets.
• D. An above-ground structure or chamber for burying the dead, often more ornate.

Answer: (D)

A tomb is an above-ground structure or chamber used to bury the dead, and it’s typically more ornate than a simple grave. This definition captures both the architectural aspect and the purpose—interment within a built tomb—so it covers a wide range of burial settings, from family vaults to grand mausoleums. The other descriptions don’t fit as well because a shallow grave is a temporary burial and lacks a dedicated structure; a decorative marker is only a surface identifier and contains no remains; and while a mausoleum is a type of tomb, saying it holds multiple caskets is a specific case and doesn’t define what a tomb is in general.

A tomb is an above-ground structure or chamber used to bury the dead, and it’s typically more ornate than a simple grave. This definition captures both the architectural aspect and the purpose—interment within a built tomb—so it covers a wide range of burial settings, from family vaults to grand mausoleums.

The other descriptions don’t fit as well because a shallow grave is a temporary burial and lacks a dedicated structure; a decorative marker is only a surface identifier and contains no remains; and while a mausoleum is a type of tomb, saying it holds multiple caskets is a specific case and doesn’t define what a tomb is in general.