decedent
Decedent (noun) means a legal term for a person who has died, used mainly in wills, estates, and probate law. Example: “The decedent's estate was divided equally among his three children.”
How to use decedent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe legal word for a dead person, used almost exclusively in wills, estates, and court documents.
This is specialist legal vocabulary — in ordinary conversation "the deceased" or "the person who died" is far more natural.
Word forms
decedents plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____'s estate was divided equally among his three children.
Etymology
From Latin decedens, "one who is departing" — from decedere, "to go away, to die."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for decedent
See all rhymes for decedent →Frequently asked questions
What does “decedent” mean?
The word “decedent” means a legal term for a person who has died, used mainly in wills, estates, and probate law. In plain terms, the legal word for a dead person, used almost exclusively in wills, estates, and court documents.
How do you pronounce “decedent”?
“Decedent” is pronounced dih-SEE-duhnt (/dɪˈsi.dənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “decedent” in a sentence?
Here is “decedent” used in a sentence: “The decedent's estate was divided equally among his three children.”
What part of speech is “decedent”?
“Decedent” is a noun.
Where does the word “decedent” come from?
The word “decedent” comes from Latin. From Latin decedens, "one who is departing" — from decedere, "to go away, to die.".