dying

Everyday

1. Dying means coming to the end of life; about to die. tree →
2. Dying can mean fading or ending, like a dying fire or dying light. tree →
3. «Dying to» or «dying for» means wanting something very much (informal). tree →
4. Dying of hunger means feeling extremely hungry (informal). tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, plants dying without water or light show what living things need. In stories and history, it describes death and loss, so it is a serious word. In everyday talk, «I'm dying to know» is an exaggeration. Phrases: «dying to …», «dying for a drink», «a dying wish», «a dying breed».

Examples

• The plant is dying because it has no water. tree →
• The dying fire glowed red. tree →
• I'm dying to know what's in the box! tree →
• The old dog was dying, so we said goodbye. tree →
• Many coral reefs are dying because the sea is too warm. tree →
• I'm dying for a cold drink. tree →
• The light was dying as the sun set. tree →
• I am just now dying of hunger. tree →

Note

Spelling trap: «dying» (from «die», end of life) versus «dyeing» (from «dye», colouring cloth or hair). «Die» changes «ie» to «y» before -ing: lie → lying, tie → tying. Kind words about death help people who are sad. Not a number word.

In Jewish tradition

Isaiah promises that those who are bowed down will be freed and will not die in the pit. In the primary lessons: In science lessons, plants dying without water or light show what living things need. In stories and history, it describes death and loss, so it is a serious word. In everyday talk, «I'm dying to know» is an exaggeration. Phrases: «dying to …», «dying for a drink», «a dying wish», «a dying breed».

Examples

• He that is bent down shall speedily be loosed; and he shall not go down dying into the pit, neither shall his bread fail. (Prophets ISA.51.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling trap: «dying» (from «die», end of life) versus «dyeing» (from «dye», colouring cloth or hair). «Die» changes «ie» to «y» before -ing: lie → lying, tie → tying. Kind words about death help people who are sad. Not a number word.