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Demise: meaning, definitions and examples

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demise

 

[dɪˈmaɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

end of existence

Demise refers to the death, termination, or end of something, such as the demise of a business or the demise of an empire. It can also be used to describe the transfer of property or rights after someone's death.

Synonyms

death, decline, end, termination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
demise

Demise typically refers to the death or passing of a person, often in a more formal or respectful manner. It can also be used metaphorically for the end of something, such as an organization.

  • The company's demise left many employees jobless.
  • We were all shocked by the sudden demise of the popular actor.
death

Death is a direct term used to refer to the end of life. It's the most straightforward word and can be used in both serious and casual contexts.

  • The death of the family pet was hard on everyone.
  • He feared death more than anything else.
termination

Termination often refers to the act of bringing something to an end, usually in a more formal or legal context. It can have a negative connotation when referring to jobs or contracts.

  • The termination of his contract came as a shock.
  • The termination of the project disappointed the team.
end

End is a general term used to indicate the conclusion of an event, process, or period of time. It’s the most versatile of these words and can be used in various situations.

  • The end of the movie was a surprise to everyone.
  • He reached the end of the book in just two days.
decline

Decline refers to a gradual process of becoming less effective, successful, or important. It’s often used for situations, health, and conditions rather than events.

  • The decline of the Roman Empire is a significant historical event.
  • Her health has been in gradual decline for years.

Examples of usage

  • The demise of the once-thriving company came as a shock to everyone.
  • The demise of the old traditions paved the way for new customs to emerge.
  • The property was left to her in the event of her father's demise.
Context #2 | Noun

transfer of property

In legal terms, demise can refer to the transfer of property or rights from one person to another, especially through a lease or inheritance.

Synonyms

conveyance, handover, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
demise

Handover is appropriate when talking about giving control or responsibility of something to someone else. It's often used in casual or colloquial contexts and involves a physical or administrative transfer.

  • The handover of the project went smoothly between the teams.
  • They planned a formal ceremony for the handover of the keys.
transfer

Transfer is a versatile term that can be used in various situations, like moving people, rights, responsibilities, or objects from one place or person to another. It is neutral in tone and can be used both formally and informally.

  • He requested a transfer to the main office.
  • The data transfer between the servers was successful.
conveyance

Conveyance is mostly used in the context of transferring property or legal rights from one person to another. It is a formal term commonly used in legal and real estate contexts.

  • The conveyance of property was handled by a solicitor.
  • The process of conveyance can sometimes be complicated and time-consuming.

Examples of usage

  • The demise of the estate was handled by the lawyer.
  • The lease agreement outlined the terms of the property's demise.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'demissio', meaning 'to send down' or 'to fall down'.
  • It originally referred to the act of sending property or power down from one person to another, often linked to death.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often face their demise as a powerful narrative tool to evoke emotion.
  • Shakespeare’s works frequently explore themes of demise, reflecting on mortality and the consequences of actions.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often use the concept of demise to create dramatic tension, particularly in thrillers and horror genres.
  • Songs frequently reference demise, using it as a metaphor for loss or heartbreak.

Psychology

  • The concept of demise can evoke fear and anxiety, prompting existential reflections on life and purpose.
  • Understanding mortality is vital in psychology, as it influences how individuals live their lives.

History

  • Throughout history, many monarchs’ demises signified the end of dynasties, drastically altering political landscapes.
  • Historical events like wars or revolutions often lead to the demise of pre-existing social structures.

Translations

Translations of the word "demise" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falecimento

🇮🇳 मृत्यु

🇩🇪 Ableben

🇮🇩 kematian

🇺🇦 смерть

🇵🇱 zgon

🇯🇵 死去（しきょ）

🇫🇷 décès

🇪🇸 fallecimiento

🇹🇷 ölüm

🇰🇷 사망 (samang)

🇸🇦 وفاة

🇨🇿 úmrtí

🇸🇰 úmrtie

🇨🇳 死亡 (sǐwáng)

🇸🇮 smrt

🇮🇸 andlát

🇰🇿 қайтыс болу

🇬🇪 გარდაცვალება

🇦🇿 ölüm

🇲🇽 fallecimiento

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,340, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.