dead

The word “dead” means no longer alive. In plain terms, no longer alive, or (informally) no longer working, active, or exact/complete.

“Dead” is pronounced dehd (/dɛd/ in IPA).

Here is “dead” used in a sentence: “The old oak tree had been dead for years.”

Words with a similar meaning to “dead” include asleep, at rest, blessed, cadaverous, clay-cold and deceased.

The opposite of “dead” — its antonyms — are alive, live and living.

Depending on how it is used, “dead” can be an adjective and an adverb.

The word “dead” comes from Old English. From Old English dead, from a Proto-Germanic root also behind German tot and Dutch dood.

“Dead” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

The direct opposites are "alive" and "living." Where "dead" means no longer alive, "alive" means having life and being active. Related contrasts include "animate" versus "inanimate." In figurative uses, the opposite shifts too — a "dead" battery becomes "charged," and a "dead" phone becomes "working" once more.

Both mean no longer alive, but they differ in tone. "Dead" is plain, direct, and used in everyday speech. "Deceased" is formal and appears mainly in legal, medical, or official contexts, and can sound more respectful. You would say "the deceased" in a courtroom, not among friends.

Very often. A phone with no power is "dead," a quiet town is "dead," and total silence is "dead silence." A road with no exit is a "dead end." In these cases "dead" signals something inactive, empty, or finished rather than literally deprived of life.

It can sound blunt. When discussing someone who has died, many people choose gentler phrases like "passed away," "lost," or "no longer with us." Formal writing often prefers "deceased." "Dead" is accurate and direct, but its plainness can feel cold in sensitive or grieving situations.