Is death a formal word?

Yes. It is common in both everyday speech and formal writing.

What is the difference between death and dying?

Death is the end state or event. Dying is the process before death.

Can I use passing instead of death?

Sometimes, yes. Passing sounds softer and more polite, especially in conversation.

Is death used in academic writing?

Yes. It is very common in medicine, history, and academic writing.

← Dictionary

death

/deθ/

IELTSAcademic

noun

The end of life. It is the point when a person or animal stops living.

His death was sudden.
We heard about her death yesterday.
Death is a painful topic for many people.

Adinary Nuance

Use death for the fact or event of dying. It is more direct and serious than passing or loss, which sound softer. It is also different from dying, which means the process of becoming dead, not the final state or event.

In other languages

Vietnamese: cái chết
Spanish: muerte
Chinese: 死亡
Japanese: 死
Korean: 죽음

Etymology

Death comes from Old English dēaþ, from a Germanic root. It has been used in English since early medieval times.

Common phrases

cause of deathlife and deathdeath penaltydeath toll

Synonyms

demise passing decease

Related words

dying funeral mourning grief

Frequently asked questions

Is death a formal word?: Yes. It is common in both everyday speech and formal writing.
What is the difference between death and dying?: Death is the end state or event. Dying is the process before death.
Can I use passing instead of death?: Sometimes, yes. Passing sounds softer and more polite, especially in conversation.
Is death used in academic writing?: Yes. It is very common in medicine, history, and academic writing.