Definition

No longer alive; not functioning or active.

Example

The flowers in the garden are dead after the frost.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you noticed how dead the town feels these days?

Yeah, it’s like no one is around anymore.

I wonder if the recent events made everyone just stay home; it really gives off a dead vibe.

Totally, it's a bit unsettling to walk through such silence.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

In a complete or absolute manner; used to emphasize certainty or suddenness.

Example

He was dead certain that he would win the race.

Conversation

Did you see how she stopped dead in her tracks when she heard that noise?

Yeah, it was pretty surprising! I thought something was wrong.

I know, right? It was like she was dead sure something was going to happen.

Definition

A person who has died or the state of being no longer alive.

Example

We held a memorial service to honor the dead.

Conversation

I found an interesting article about how we remember the dead.

Oh really? That sounds intriguing!

Yeah, it talked about different cultures and their rituals for honoring the dead.

Root Explanation

The word 'dead' originates from Old English 'dead', which means without life or lifeless. It is related to the Proto-Germanic '*daudaz', meaning dead or lifeless, and is connected to the concept of being devoid of life.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word 'dead' meaning lifeless — this helps you remember that 'dead' refers to something that has no life.

Visually Confused Words