Die

Definition

Die is both a verb and noun. As a verb, it means to stop living, cease to exist, or lose vitality. As a noun, it refers to a small cube marked with numbers from one to six, used in games, or a tool used in shaping or molding materials.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• Verb IPA Pronunciation: /daɪ/
• Respelling: DY
• Noun IPA Pronunciation: /daɪ/
• Respelling: DY

British English

• Verb IPA Pronunciation: /daɪ/
• Respelling: DY
• Noun IPA Pronunciation: /daɪ/
• Respelling: DY

Etymology

The verb "die" originates from the Old English "degan" and Old Norse "deyja," meaning "to pass away." As a noun, "die" stems from the Latin "datum," meaning "something given" (referring to game dice). It entered Middle English with both meanings: ceasing to live and a tool for shaping materials.

Derivatives

• Died (verb, past tense)
• Dies (noun, plural form)
• Dying (verb, present participle)
• Dead (adjective)
• Death (noun)

Synonyms

• Expire
• Perish
• Pass away

Antonyms

• Live
• Survive
• Exist

Usage

The verb "die" is often used to denote the end of life, such as "Plants die without water." As a noun, it is used in manufacturing or gaming contexts, as in "He rolled the die to start the game" or "A metal die was used to stamp the coins."

Related Terms

• Mortality: The state of being subject to death.
• Vitality: The capacity to live or exist.
• Cube: A shape with six equal sides, commonly associated with dice in gaming.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To stop living; cease to be alive: Used to describe the end of biological life.
  • Example: "He feared he would die alone."
• To lose strength or vitality: Refers to the gradual decline or end of something.
  • Example: "The flowers began to die in the winter cold."
• To cease functioning or come to an end: Used metaphorically to describe something no longer in use or existence.
  • Example: "The old traditions are starting to die out."

Noun

• A small cube with numbers or symbols on each face, used in games of chance: Commonly associated with games requiring dice.
  • Example: "She rolled the die to see who would go first."
• A tool used in manufacturing to shape, cut, or mold material: Refers to equipment used in mechanical or industrial processes.
  • Example: "A die was used to shape the metal into the desired form."