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Fallen: meaning, definitions and examples

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fallen

 

[ˈfɔːlən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a state of disgrace or disfavor

Having fallen from grace, the once beloved politician was now seen as a fallen figure in the eyes of the public.

Synonyms

disgraced, dishonored, shamed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fallen

Used to describe someone who has lost their high position or moral integrity. Commonly used in both literal and metaphorical senses, often without strong negative emotion.

  • He is a fallen hero who once was celebrated for his bravery
  • The fallen leaves covered the ground in autumn
disgraced

Implied for someone who has suffered a severe loss of respect or honor due to their actions. Carries a strong negative connotation.

  • The politician was disgraced after the scandal was revealed
  • He was a disgraced former athlete caught using steroids
shamed

Describes someone who feels deep embarrassment or guilt due to an unacceptable action, usually related to personal failure. Includes a strong negative feeling.

  • She was shamed by her failure in the competition
  • He felt shamed after being caught lying
dishonored

Typically used in more formal or serious situations to describe someone who has lost their honor, especially in connection to ethical or moral failure.

  • He dishonored his family by breaking their trust
  • The soldier was dishonored and stripped of his ranks

Examples of usage

  • The fallen starlet struggled to regain her former glory.
  • After the scandal, he was a fallen hero in the eyes of the community.
  • She was a fallen angel, no longer the pure soul she once was.
Context #2 | Noun

a person who has died in battle

The memorial honored the fallen soldiers who had bravely fought for their country.

Synonyms

deceased, lost, martyr.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fallen

Used to describe someone who has died in battle or due to a tragic incident, often with a sense of honor.

  • The memorial commemorates the fallen soldiers of World War II
deceased

Commonly used in formal or legal contexts to refer to someone who has died. It is neutral and respectful.

  • The will was read shortly after the deceased's funeral
lost

Employed to gently indicate someone has died, often in personal or emotionally sensitive conversations.

  • We lost our grandmother last year; she was a kind and loving person
martyr

Refers to someone who has died or suffered greatly for a cause, often religious or political, and is seen as a hero because of it.

  • Joan of Arc is remembered as a martyr who fought for her beliefs

Examples of usage

  • We will always remember the sacrifices of the fallen in times of war.
  • The nation mourned the loss of the fallen heroes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'fallen' originates from the Old English word 'feallan', meaning 'to fall or drop'.
  • It is the past participle of the verb 'fall', showing how the English language evolved from ancient roots.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic '*fallan', emphasizing its long-standing presence in the language.

Literature

  • In literature, 'fallen' often symbolizes loss, decay, or a transition from grace, as seen in works like John Milton's 'Paradise Lost'.
  • The theme of the 'fallen hero' is prevalent in many stories, illustrating characters who have experienced a downfall.
  • Shakespeare's works frequently touch on the idea of fallen status, exploring the complexities of human nature and morality.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, the concept of 'fallen angels' represents beings who have lost their original goodness, often featured in religious texts.
  • The phrase 'fallen from grace' is commonly used to describe someone who has lost respect or status in society.
  • In art, fallen figures are depicted to evoke emotions of nostalgia, sorrow, or lost potential.

Psychology

  • The feeling of being 'fallen' can relate to moments of personal failure or setbacks, impacting one's self-esteem.
  • Psychological studies suggest that the perception of falling often triggers a fight-or-flight response, linking body and emotion.
  • Experiences of 'falling' represent a metaphor for human vulnerability and the inevitable challenges of life.

Music

  • Many songs explore themes of falling, often using it as a metaphor for love, loss, and emotional struggles.
  • The band 'Fallen' released an ep that discusses themes of downfall and redemption, resonating with listeners’ personal experiences.
  • In classical music, works like 'Fallen Leaves' capture the emotional essence of transition and loss through melodies.

Translations

Translations of the word "fallen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caído

🇮🇳 गिरा हुआ (girā huā)

🇩🇪 gefallen

🇮🇩 jatuh

🇺🇦 впав

🇵🇱 upadły

🇯🇵 落ちた (ochita)

🇫🇷 tombé

🇪🇸 caído

🇹🇷 düşmüş

🇰🇷 떨어진 (tteoreojin)

🇸🇦 ساقط (sāqit)

🇨🇿 padlý

🇸🇰 padlý

🇨🇳 倒下 (dǎoxià)

🇸🇮 padel

🇮🇸 fallinn

🇰🇿 құлаған (qulağan)

🇬🇪 დაცემული (datsemuli)

🇦🇿 düşmüş

🇲🇽 caído

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,813, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.