Deceased Meaning and Definition
Deceased
Pronunciation
/dɪˈsiːst/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who has died, either recently or in the past. The state of being dead.
Examples
- The deceased was honored at the funeral service.
- The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deceased’s death.
Synonyms
- Dead
- Deceased individual
- Late
Antonyms
- Alive
- Living
Etymology
The word ‘deceased’ comes from the Latin ‘decedere’, meaning ‘to die’. It has been used in English since the 14th century.
Usage Notes
When referring to a deceased person, it is generally considered polite to use the term ‘deceased’, rather than ‘dead’, to show respect and avoid causing offense. It is also important to respect the privacy and dignity of the deceased and their loved ones.
Cultural References
The term ‘deceased’ has been used in various contexts in popular culture, including in film, literature, and music. For example, the phrase ‘RIP (Rest In Peace) the Deceased’ is a common way to honor someone who has passed away.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
‘To rest in peace’ is an idiomatic expression that means to die and be buried, and to have one’s soul at peace after death. ‘To sleep with the deceased’ is another idiomatic phrase that means to die.
Related Words or Phrases
Related words and phrases include ‘dead’, ‘died’, ‘death’, ‘passing’, and ‘funeral’.
Collocations
Common collocations with the term ‘deceased’ include ‘funeral’, ‘service’, ‘wake’, ‘burial’, and ‘ condolences’.
Frequency of Use
The term ‘deceased’ is commonly used in formal and informal writing, as well as in spoken language, particularly in the context of bereavement and mourning.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the term ‘deceased’ include ‘deasest’ and ‘decisive’.