Word
slain
US/ˈsɫeɪn/
UK/slˈeɪn/
Definitions
01killed in battle
C1 · Advanced Literary
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.
“The story tells of a brave knight who mourned his slain friends after the battle.”
“The poet lamented the fate of the slain warriors, whose names were destined to be forgotten by the very kingdom they died to protect.”
Usage
Usually appears before the noun it describes.
Synonyms
02the dead
C2 · Proficiency Plural noun Literary · Formal
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'.
“After the great battle, the families came to identify the slain.”
“The field was silent as the survivors gathered to bury the slain under the shadow of the ancient oaks.”
Usage
Functions as a collective noun and takes a plural verb.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Windham wore a T-shirt with pictures of the slain woman and children and the words “Forever in my heart”.” “The slain men’s families, now sheltering in Bangladesh refugee camps, identified the victims through photographs shown to them by Reuters.” - 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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