Dying: meaning, definitions and examples

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dying

 

[ ˈdaɪ.ɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

loss of life

Dying refers to the process of ceasing to live or exist. It is the final stage of life where an organism experiences the cessation of all biological functions that sustain life. Dying can occur due to various causes, including illness, injury, or old age.

Synonyms

croak, decease, expire, pass away, perish

Examples of usage

  • He was dying from a terminal illness.
  • The flowers are dying due to the lack of water.
  • The patient is dying; the doctors are doing their best.
  • They feared dying in the wilderness without supplies.
Context #2 | Verb

metaphorical loss

In a more abstract sense, dying can refer to the decline or loss of vitality in something, such as an emotion, idea, or trend.

Synonyms

decline, dwindle, fade, wane

Examples of usage

  • The enthusiasm for the project is dying.
  • The old traditions are dying in modern society.
  • Her dreams of becoming a singer were dying.
  • The art form is slowly dying out.

Translations

Translations of the word "dying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 morrendo

🇮🇳 मरना

🇩🇪 sterbend

🇮🇩 meninggal

🇺🇦 вмираючий

🇵🇱 umierający

🇯🇵 死にかけている

🇫🇷 mourant

🇪🇸 muriendo

🇹🇷 ölmekte olan

🇰🇷 죽어가는

🇸🇦 يموت

🇨🇿 umírající

🇸🇰 umierajúci

🇨🇳 正在死亡

🇸🇮 umirajoč

🇮🇸 deyandi

🇰🇿 өліп бара жатқан

🇬🇪 მკვდარი

🇦🇿 ölən

🇲🇽 muriendo

Etymology

The term 'dying' originates from the Old English word 'dīegan', which is derived from a Proto-Germanic verb '*daiwijan'. This connects to the more general Proto-Indo-European root '*dai-' which means 'to die'. Over the centuries, the word has evolved in its spelling and usage. In Middle English, it appeared as 'dyen', eventually becoming 'dying' in Modern English. The concept of dying has been a critical aspect of human existence, often reflected in literature, philosophy, and culture. Death and dying have been subjects of contemplation, providing insight into the human condition and prompting reflections on mortality, the afterlife, and the legacy left behind. The cultural and linguistic significance of dying extends across various languages and societies, making it a universal theme in human experience.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,534, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.