lethal
Lethal (adj) means Capable of causing death; deadly. Example: “The snake's venom is lethal to small animals.”
How to use lethal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeadly — able to kill.
Word forms
more lethal comparative, lethals plural, most lethal superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The snake's venom is _____ to small animals.
Etymology
From Latin letalis, "deadly," from letum, "death."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “lethal” mean?
The word “lethal” means capable of causing death; deadly. In plain terms, deadly — able to kill.
How do you pronounce “lethal”?
“Lethal” is pronounced LEE-thuhl (/ˈliː.θəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “lethal” in a sentence?
Here is “lethal” used in a sentence: “The snake's venom is lethal to small animals.”
What part of speech is “lethal”?
“Lethal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “lethal” come from?
The word “lethal” comes from Latin. From Latin letalis, "deadly," from letum, "death.".
Is “lethal” a common word?
“Lethal” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between lethal and deadly?
Lethal and deadly are close synonyms, both meaning capable of causing death, and are often used interchangeably. Lethal tends to appear more in technical, medical, or precise contexts such as a lethal dose, while deadly is more common in general or dramatic descriptions.
Can lethal be used figuratively?
Yes, lethal is sometimes used figuratively to describe something extremely effective or damaging, such as a lethal argument or a lethal combination, without literally involving death. This extended use draws on the core sense of being highly dangerous or destructive.
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