The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

demise

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Dictionary definition of demise

The act of dying or the end of something, particularly in a gradual or final manner.
"The king's unexpected demise led to a power vacuum in the kingdom."

Detailed meaning of demise

It can be used to describe the death of a person, the termination of an institution, the collapse of a system, or the conclusion of a period or era. Demise carries a sense of finality and often implies a significant or irreversible change. It signifies the conclusion of existence, the cessation of life, or the dissolution of an entity. This term can evoke a somber or mournful tone, as it is often associated with loss, decay, or the passing away of someone or something significant.

Example sentences containing demise

1. The small bookstore couldn’t compete with online retailers, leading to its sad demise.
2. The demise of the ancient civilization is attributed to both internal conflicts and natural disasters.
3. His obsession with treasure hunting ultimately led to his own demise.
4. The demise of the dodo bird serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of human actions on biodiversity.
5. The company's demise was hastened by a series of poor financial decisions.
6. Following the old general's demise, a magnificent military funeral was held in his honor.

History and etymology of demise

The noun 'demise' has its etymological origins in Old French and Latin. It comes from the Old French word 'deces,' which means 'death' or 'end.' This word, in turn, is derived from the Latin word 'demissus,' which is the past participle of 'demittere.' In Latin, 'de' means 'down,' and 'mittere' means 'to send' or 'to let go.' Therefore, the etymology of 'demise' conveys the idea of something coming to an end or being sent down, whether it be the act of dying or the conclusion of something, particularly in a gradual or final manner. The word has preserved its connection to the concept of the end of life or the conclusion of an entity, reflecting its historical roots in both Old French and Latin, where it was used to describe the eventuality of death or the termination of something.

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Further usage examples of demise

1. The historical records show that the economic demise of the empire was gradual.
2. The heroine’s tragic demise in the novel moved me to tears.
3. The lawyer explained the terms regarding the distribution of property after his client's demise.
4. After the demise of the dictator, the country transitioned into a democracy.
5. Environmentalists are working tirelessly to prevent the demise of endangered species around the world.
6. The demise of the old factory marked the end of an era in our town's history.
7. Her sudden demise left us all in shock, struggling to come to terms with it.
8. The demise of the ancient civilization remains a topic of great debate among historians.
9. The gradual demise of the newspaper industry is a sign of the digital age's impact.
10. The demise of their friendship was inevitable, given their constant conflicts.
11. The economic turmoil led to the demise of several small businesses in the area.
12. Despite his illness, he faced his demise with remarkable courage and grace.
13. The slow demise of the historic building saddened the entire community.
14. The demise of the monarchy was met with both celebration and mourning.
15. His reckless behavior ultimately led to the demise of his career in politics.
16. The gradual demise of traditional family values has sparked societal changes.
17. The tragic demise of the endangered species highlights the importance of conservation.
18. The demise of their relationship was marked by a bitter and drawn-out breakup.
19. The demise of the old library ushered in a new era of digital learning.
20. The demise of the coal industry has raised questions about job security in the region.
21. The sudden demise of the company's CEO raised concerns about its future.
22. The artist's demise didn't stop the appreciation of his work; it soared in value.
23. The slow demise of the rainforest ecosystem threatens countless species.
24. The demise of the traditional family dinner is a consequence of busy modern life.