Word
departed
Phoneticsde·part·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈpɑɹtɪd/
UK/dɪpˈɑːtɪd/
Definitions
01dead
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adj. a polite way to say that someone is dead.
adj. used as a euphemism to refer to a person who has died.
“They gathered to share stories and remember their departed friend.”
“The solicitor spent the afternoon reviewing the departed client's final wishes to ensure the estate was distributed according to the will.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
02the dead
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Religion Formal · Literary
n. people who have died, often used when talking about them with respect.
n. a collective noun referring to those who have died, typically used in a religious or ceremonial context.
“The community held a special ceremony to honour the dearly departed.”
“The priest offered a prayer for the departed, asking for peace and remembrance during the memorial service.”
Usage
Almost always preceded by 'the' and often modified by 'dearly'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03gone away
B2 · Upper Intermediate Literary
adj. having left a place or no longer being present.
adj. having left or gone away; no longer present in a specific location or state.
“The summer was departed, and the first cold winds of autumn began to blow.”
“By the time the investigators arrived at the scene, the mysterious guests were long departed, leaving no trace of their identity.”
Teaching tip
In modern English, people usually just say 'gone' or 'left' unless they want to sound very poetic.
Real-World Examples
“Durham Regional Police say the senior citizen departed from Oshawa Airport at 8:30 a.m.” “Like Griezmann, Robert Lewandowski has departed for Major League Soccer in the US, and there is still a gap up front while Atlético stand firm on Álvarez.” The word in film
The Departed · 2006 · Crime
- Directed by:
- Martin Scorsese
- Starring:
- Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon
Martin Scorsese directs this crime drama about undercover agents and the high cost of living a double life. The title uses this sense to honor the many characters who lose their lives during the violent conflict between the police and the mob.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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