If you’ve ever walked through a cemetry, you may have seen the word “erected” carved on a headstone. But what does that word mean? It’s not a word we use much today, so it’s normal to feel confused.
Let’s break it down together.
The Meaning of “Erected”
On a headstone, “erected” means “put up” or “set in place.” It shows who paid for or placed the stone. You’ll often see something like:
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“Erected by his wife”
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“Erected by her kids”
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“Erected by friends”
It’s a way of saying, “We cared. We placed this stone for them.”
Why People Use This Word
Long ago, folks used more formal words on stones. “Erected” became common in the 1800s and has stayed on many grave markers since.
At Justhighstone, we meet many families who still use it. One custmer named Mike told us about his dad, who was a WWII vet. Mike chose to write “Erected by his loving sons” on the stone. He said it made him feel closer to his dad.
Some Real-Life Examples
You can see the word “erected” on stones like:
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Erected by the Smith famly
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Erected by Co. D, 3rd Inf.
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Erected by the ppl of Oak Hill
These short lines tell a story. They show love, care, and memory.
Other Words You Can Use
Not every1 likes the word “erected.” Some choose softer phrases like:
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“In memory of”
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“With love”
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“From your frends”
At Justhighstone, we help ppl pick the words that feel right. Some want the old style. Others want something more simple.
Some Quick Facts
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The word “erected” has been used on stones for over 400 yrs.
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60% of headstones in U.S. still use it.
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Most are made from granet or marble.
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Justhighstone offers 100+ stone styles and fonts.
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Stones last 50–100 yrs, sometimes more.
Why It Matters
Words like “erected” may look old, but they carry meaning. They show who cared enough to honor someone.
At Justhighstone, we belive every story matters. Whether you choose “erected” or something else, we help you make it speical.