demise
C1Formal, legal, business, journalism.
Definition
Meaning
Death, the end of the existence of something or someone.
The termination or failure of an institution, system, agreement, or project; the end of something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most commonly used as a noun. As a verb, it is rare and often considered archaic. The word formalizes and often elevates the concept of death or end.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The verb form is slightly more recognized in formal British contexts (e.g., law, monarchy).
Connotations
In both, the word carries formal weight. In British contexts, it is strongly associated with royalty and property law.
Frequency
Slightly more common in formal British English due to legal and royal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the demise of [NOUN PHRASE]lead to [POSSESSIVE] demisespell the demise for [NOUN PHRASE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Demise and transfer (legal).”
- “Spell the demise of something.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The demise of the high street shop was hastened by online retail.
Academic
Scholars debate the complex factors leading to the demise of the empire.
Everyday
He mourned the demise of his favourite TV series.
Technical
The lease was formally demised to the new tenant. (Legal)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The estate was demised to the heir for a term of 99 years.
- The king demised the crown lands.
American English
- The property is demised by the terms of the lease.
- The rights were demised in the 19th century.
adjective
British English
- The demise clause in the contract was triggered.
- He held a demise charter for the ship.
American English
- The demise charter agreement was signed.
- A demise provision was included.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old cinema closed after its demise.
- His sudden demise shocked everyone.
- Poor sales ultimately led to the company's demise.
- The demise of the treaty left a political vacuum.
- The scandal spelled the demise of his political career.
- The legal doctrine concerns the demise of property from a landlord to a tenant.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DEMISE sounds like 'the end is' (de-mise) – the end is here.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEATH IS A JOURNEY (His demise was a long road), FAILURE IS DEATH (The project's demise).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с "демисезонный" (demi-season).
- Не является прямым синонимом "крах" (collapse) во всех контекстах.
- В юридическом смысле может соответствовать "передача имущества".
Common Mistakes
- Using it too informally (e.g., 'the demise of my sandwich' is hyperbole).
- Using 'demise' as a verb in everyday speech.
- Confusing spelling with 'premise'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'demise' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is frequently used metaphorically for the end of organisations, systems, eras, and projects.
It is correct but rare and highly formal, primarily used in legal contexts concerning the transfer of property or a title.
'Demise' is more formal, often used in official or impersonal contexts, and can refer to non-living things. 'Death' is the universal, direct term for the end of life.
Rarely. It typically implies an end, often seen as negative, sad, or inevitable. However, the demise of a corrupt regime could be viewed positively.
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