deceased

Everyday

1. (formal) Dead: her deceased grandfather. tree →
2. (the deceased, noun) The person (or people) who has died, especially recently: the family of the deceased. tree →

In the lessons

A formal, polite word used in legal papers, news and on forms, not in everyday talk where people say "died" or "passed away". In history lessons records list deceased people. Phrases: the deceased, recently deceased, deceased relatives.

Examples

• (formal) The deceased left all her money to the animal shelter. tree →
• The form asks for the names of any deceased parents. tree →
• The police informed the family of the deceased. tree →
• Her grandfather is deceased, but she has his old watch. tree →
• (formal) The deceased was a well-known teacher in the town. tree →
• In the story, the detective searched the deceased man's study. tree →
• It was not so, however; there was a being standing before his bed, and looking like the ghost of his deceased wife. tree →

Note

Formal; everyday words are "dead" or (euphemism) "passed away". "The deceased" can mean one person or more. Do not confuse with "diseased" (ill), which sounds similar.