Definition of Dead
Quick Meaning of Dead
Not living; a person or animal that has stopped breathing and functioning.
Detailed Definition of Dead
No longer alive; having lost all life functions.
How to Pronounce Dead
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: The 'ea' sounds like the 'e' in 'bed', not like 'ee'.
Origin and Etymology of Dead
Old English dead, from Proto-Germanic deadaz, meaning lifeless.
How to Use Dead in a Sentence
Each example shows “dead” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The tree has been dead for two years.”
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“He found a dead bird in the garden.”
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“The battery in my remote is dead.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Dead
Common Synonyms for Dead
Smart Synonyms for Dead — When to Use Each
- lifeless
- for something without signs of life or animation
- extinct
- when a species or form has completely ceased
- inanimate
- for objects that never had life but lack
Antonyms of Dead
Common Collocations with Dead
These phrases pair with “dead” in everyday English:
- dead end
- dead weight
- dead battery
- stone dead
- completely dead
Common Mistakes When Using Dead
Even fluent speakers slip up with “dead”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The fish is dead yesterday.
- ✓ Correct: The fish died yesterday.
- Why: Use past tense 'died' for the action; dead is a state, not an action.
- ✗ Wrong: He is very dead.
- ✓ Correct: He is dead.
- Why: Absolute adjectives like 'dead' cannot be intensified with 'very'.
Words Confused With Dead
- Dead vs Died: Died is the past tense verb; dead is the adjective describing the state.
Other Forms of Dead
Frequently Asked Questions About Dead
What is the meaning of "Dead"?
Not living; a person or animal that has stopped breathing and functioning.
How do you pronounce "Dead"?
The IPA is /dɛd/. The 'ea' sounds like the 'e' in 'bed', not like 'ee'.
What part of speech is "Dead"?
"Dead" is an adjective at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Dead"?
Common synonyms include lifeless, extinct, no longer alive.
How do you use "Dead" in a sentence?
For example: "The tree has been dead for two years."