# deathly

/ˈdɛθɫi/ (US) · /dˈɛθli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deathly
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

extremely pale, quiet, or cold. You use this to describe someone who looks very sick or a place that feels very scary and empty.

For teachers: extremely pale, quiet, or cold; resembling death. Often used to describe a person's appearance or the atmosphere of a place.

## Examples

- He looked deathly pale after the accident.
- The silence in the room was deathly, making it difficult for anyone to speak without feeling guilty.
- The witness described the victim as deathly pale, with a look of such profound fear that it stayed with the jury for weeks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.