slain
- 01 C1 Advanced
adj.killed in a violent way, usually in a war or a story.
adj.killed or murdered, particularly in a violent or ritualistic manner. Often used in historical or mythological contexts.
Simple“The story tells of a brave knight who mourned his slain friends after the battle.”
In context“The poet lamented the fate of the slain warriors, whose names were destined to be forgotten by the very kingdom they died to protect.”
UsageUsually appears before the noun it describes.
Synonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
n.people who have been killed in a war or a violent event.
n.a collective plural noun referring to those who have been killed. Always used with the definite article 'the'.
Simple“After the great battle, the families came to identify the slain.”
In context“The field was silent as the survivors gathered to bury the slain under the shadow of the ancient oaks.”
UsageFunctions as a collective noun and takes a plural verb.
Synonymsthe deadthe fallenAntonymsthe living