slain
word · lemma: slay
Definition
'Slain' is the past participle of 'slay', meaning to kill someone, usually in a violent way or in battle. It is a formal or literary word often used in news or fiction.
Usage & Nuances
'Slain' is formal, literary, or journalistic. Common in phrases like "the slain" (those killed). Rarely used in daily speech; "killed" or "murdered" are more normal for conversation. Its tone is serious and dramatic, often for tragic or heroic contexts.
Example Sentences
The hero was slain in battle.
basic
Three soldiers were slain during the attack.
basic
A dragon was slain by the knight.
basic
Many songs tell stories of heroes who were slain long ago.
natural
The newspaper listed the names of the slain, honoring their memory.
natural
He spoke with sadness about those who had been slain in the disaster.
natural