What does posthumous mean?
Posthumous is an adjective meaning after a person's death. It is used for books, artworks, recordings, awards, honors, diagnoses, and other matters connected with someone who has already died. The most familiar application is the publication of a work after its author or creator's death, as in 'a posthumous novel.' A person may also receive a posthumous award or be described as a posthumous hero. The word comes from Latin and originally referred to a child born after the father's death; its modern meaning developed from that historical usage. In general writing, 'posthumous' is more precise than simply saying that something appeared 'after death,' because it specifically identifies the deceased person as the relevant figure.
adjectiveExisting, occurring, or being published after a person's death. It may also describe a person who has died but is honored or recognized afterward.
- Occurring, existing, or taking place after a person's death.
- Published, issued, or released after its creator or author has died.
- Awarded, honored, or recognized after the recipient has died.
- Diagnosed or identified after the patient's death.
"The novel was published posthumously after the author's unexpected death."
"She received a posthumous award for her contribution to scientific research."
"The singer released a posthumous collection of previously unreleased recordings."
"The autopsy revealed a cause of death that had not been detected during life."
Posthumous originally referred to a child born after the father's death, a usage that later broadened to anything appearing or occurring after death.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does posthumous come from?
The word comes from Latin posthumus, meaning 'after death' or 'born after the father's death.' In early English, 'posthumous' was especially used for children born after their father had died. During the 17th century, its meaning expanded to include works published after an author's death, and the modern general sense developed from there.
Related word forms
How posthumous is actually used
The word is formal and commonly used in publishing, awards, medicine, and biographical writing. It is usually neutral, though its use in phrases such as 'posthumous diagnosis' may have a sombre or retrospective tone.
Easily confused with posthumous
Posthumous means occurring or appearing after a person's death, while postmortem specifically means after death and is often used for the medical examination of a dead body.