requiescat in pace
[rɛ.kʷiˈeːs.kat ˈɪn ˈpaː.kɛ]
The Latin phrase for "rest in peace" is requiescat in pace.
This phrase is used as a blessing or an expression of hope. It translates to "May he/she rest in peace".
Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word requiescat is a third-person singular present subjunctive form of requiescere, which is used here to express a wish or a prayer meaning "may he/she rest".
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form requiescat in pace changes to the plural form requiescant in pace when you are referring to more than one person.
When do people say it?
The common English abbreviation "R.I.P." is derived directly from the first letters of the Latin phrase requiescat in pace.
Did you know?
- The word requiescat comes from the same root as the English word 'quiet'. Both describe the state of being at rest or stillness.
- While requiescat in pace is common now, early Christians used the phrase in pace on their tombs to simply indicate that the deceased had died in peace with God.
- In classical literature, the concept of 'peace' (pax) often carried much stronger political and legal connotations than the modern spiritual sense.
Examples in context
- Requiescat in pace.Rest in peace.This example shows the use of requiescat in pace.Tatoeba #692885 by seveleu_dubrovnik, translation #692884 by CM
- Requiescat in pace et in amore, in aeternumMay he/she rest in peace and in love, forever
- Requiescat in pace, amice meus.Rest in peace, my friend.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aurelia and Marcus are visiting a gravesite.
- AureliaHic est locus quietis.This is a place of rest.
- MarcusIta, requiescat in pace.Yes, may he rest in peace.
- AureliaErat vir bonus.He was a good man.
- MarcusSemper eum amabimus.We will always love him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry requiescat in pace, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
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