Dead: meaning, definitions and examples

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dead

 

[dɛd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

body

No longer alive.

Synonyms

deceased, inanimate, lifeless.

Examples of usage

  • a dead body found in the river
  • the dead soldier lay on the battlefield
Context #2 | Adjective

battery

No longer in use or valid.

Synonyms

defunct, inactive, obsolete.

Examples of usage

  • a dead battery
  • a dead language
Context #3 | Noun

end

The final resting place of a person's body.

Synonyms

deceased, departed, passed away.

Examples of usage

  • buried in the family plot with the other dead
  • visited the graves of the dead

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'dead' comes from the Old English 'deada,' meaning lifeless or no longer alive.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*daudaz,' which referred to being finished or expired.

Literature

  • In poetry and literature, the concept of death is often explored as a theme of transformation, loss, and the cycle of life.
  • Famous works, like Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven,' symbolize dead loved ones haunting the living, reflecting our fears and memories.

Psychology

  • Understanding the concept of death is crucial in human psychology; it shapes our behaviors and how we cope with loss.
  • Studies show our attitudes towards death can directly influence our mental health and understanding of life.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and games, 'dead' characters often come back to life, representing hope or the idea of second chances.
  • The zombie genre in films illustrates societal fears around death and the unknown, symbolizing unresolved issues.

Science

  • Biologically, a 'dead' organism shows no signs of life, such as growth, response to stimuli, or metabolic processes.
  • In ecology, dead organic material forms an essential part of nutrient recycling, feeding new life in the ecosystem.

Translations

Translations of the word "dead" in other languages:

🇵🇹 morto

🇮🇳 मृत

🇩🇪 tot

🇮🇩 mati

🇺🇦 мертвий

🇵🇱 martwy

🇯🇵 死んだ

🇫🇷 mort

🇪🇸 muerto

🇹🇷 ölü

🇰🇷 죽은

🇸🇦 ميت

🇨🇿 mrtvý

🇸🇰 mŕtvy

🇨🇳 死的

🇸🇮 mrtev

🇮🇸 dáinn

🇰🇿 өлі

🇬🇪 მკვდარი

🇦🇿 ölü

🇲🇽 muerto

Word Frequency Rank

At #959 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.