Epitaph vs. Requiem — What's the Difference?

An epitaph (from Greek ἐπιτάφιος epitaphios "a funeral oration" from ἐπί epi "at, over" and τάφος taphos "tomb") is a short text honoring a deceased person. Strictly speaking, it refers to text that is inscribed on a tombstone or plaque, but it may also be used in a figurative sense.

A Requiem or Requiem Mass, also known as Mass for the dead (Latin: Missa pro defunctis) or Mass of the dead (Latin: Missa defunctorum), is a Mass offered for the repose of the soul or souls of one or more deceased persons, using a particular form of the Roman Missal. It is usually, but not necessarily, celebrated in the context of a funeral.

An inscription on a tombstone in memory of the one buried there.

(especially in the Roman Catholic Church) a Mass for the repose of the souls of the dead

A brief literary piece commemorating a deceased person.

A mass for a deceased person.

An inscription on a gravestone in memory of the deceased.

A musical composition for such a mass.

A poem or other short text written in memory of a deceased person.

A hymn, composition, or service for the dead.

(intransitive) To write or speak after the manner of an epitaph.

A mass (especially Catholic) to honor and remember a dead person.

(transitive) To commemorate by an epitaph.

A musical composition for such a mass.

An inscription on, or at, a tomb, or a grave, in memory or commendation of the one buried there; a sepulchral inscription.

A piece of music composed to honor a dead person.

A brief writing formed as if to be inscribed on a monument, as that concerning Alexander: "Sufficit huic tumulus, cui non sufficeret orbis."

(obsolete) Rest; peace.

To commemorate by an epitaph.

A large or dangerous shark, specifically, (zoology) a member of the family Carcharhinidae.

To write or speak after the manner of an epitaph.

A mass said or sung for the repose of a departed soul.

An inscription on a tombstone or monument in memory of the person buried there

Any grand musical composition, performed in honor of a deceased person.

A summary statement of commemoration for a dead person

Rest; quiet; peace.

A song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person

A musical setting for a Mass celebrating the dead

A Mass celebrated for the dead