How is a cenotaph primarily characterized in the context of memorials?

A cenotaph is primarily characterized as a tribute to the deceased when the body is absent. This definition highlights the essential purpose of a cenotaph, which serves as a memorial or commemorative structure erected in honor of a person whose remains may be located elsewhere or who has no known burial site. It symbolizes remembrance and respect for the deceased and provides a place for family and friends to reflect and pay their respects, even in the absence of the physical body.

In this context, the cenotaph can take various forms, such as a stone monument or plaque, and it often commemorates individuals who died in significant historical circumstances, those lost at sea, or other situations where a grave is not physically present. This aspect distinguishes it from other types of memorials meant to mark actual burial sites or to fulfill other functions related to the deceased's remains.