What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
death
Example
The death of her grandfather was a difficult time for her. [death: noun]
Example
He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. [dead: adjective]
decease
Example
The cause of his decease was listed as heart failure. [decease: noun]
Example
She passed away peacefully in her sleep. [passed away: phrasal verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Death is more commonly used than decease in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between death and decease?
Decease is more formal than death and is typically used in legal or medical contexts, while death can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
