What does "departed" mean?

1. (dead) a polite way to say that someone is dead. 2. (the dead) people who have died, often used when talking about them with respect. 3. (gone away) having left a place or no longer being present.

How do you use "departed"?

Usually placed before the noun it describes. Almost always preceded by 'the' and often modified by 'dearly'.

departed

adj. · n.

US //dɪˈpɑɹtɪd// UK //dɪpˈɑːtɪd// de·part·ed

1 dead (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

a polite way to say that someone is dead.

used as a euphemism to refer to a person who has died.

Example

They gathered to share stories and remember their departed friend.

Example

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.
- living
- alive
2 the dead (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Literary Religion

people who have died, often used when talking about them with respect.

a collective noun referring to those who have died, typically used in a religious or ceremonial context.

Example

The community held a special ceremony to honour the dearly departed.

Example

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'.
- the deceased
- the dead
- the living

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3 gone away (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

having left a place or no longer being present.

having left or gone away; no longer present in a specific location or state.

Example

The summer was departed, and the first cold winds of autumn began to blow.

Example

By the time the investigators arrived at the scene, the mysterious guests were long departed, leaving no trace of their identity.

Teacher's tip

In modern English, people usually just say 'gone' or 'left' unless they want to sound very poetic.
- present
- remaining