deceased

word

/dɪˈsist/
di-SEEST
/dɪsˈiːsd/
di-SEEST

Definition

"Deceased" means dead, especially when talking about a person who has died. It is most often used in formal, legal, medical, or official contexts.

Usage & Nuances

This word is more formal and less emotional than "dead." It is common before a noun, as in "the deceased man," and as a noun in legal phrases like "the deceased." In everyday conversation, people usually say "passed away" or "died" instead.

Example Sentences

The police identified the deceased man.

basic

The doctor signed the deceased patient's report.

basic

Her ring was returned to the deceased woman's family.

basic

In the report, everyone kept referring to him as "the deceased," which felt very cold.

natural

The lawyer said the property now belongs to the children of the deceased.

natural

They asked us not to share the deceased person's name online.

natural