The word "demise" is spelled as /dɪˈmaɪz/. It is a noun that means the end or termination of something, particularly the death of a person. The spelling of "demise" follows the typical phonetic rules in English, where the "d" is pronounced as a voiced dental plosive, followed by the short "i" sound. The "m" and "s" in "demise" are pronounced as voiced and unvoiced consonants, respectively. Finally, the "e" at the end of the word is pronounced as a schwa, a reduced vowel sound that is short and unstressed.
Demise, as a noun, refers to the end or termination of something, especially the death of a person or the complete destruction of an entity. It signifies the permanent cessation or finality of existence and is often used in the context of human life. In this sense, it is commonly associated with mortality and the passing away of individuals. Additionally, demise can also denote the downfall or collapse of an organization, a system, or an idea.
When referring to a person, the term often emphasizes the significance and irreversibility of death, highlighting the solemnity and sorrow attached to the event. It encapsulates the permanent departure of a living being from the world, leading to the cessation of their life functions and physical presence.
Furthermore, demise can be extended to non-living entities, encompassing the end of their existence or effectiveness. This can include concepts such as the demise of a business, an empire, or a belief system. It represents the final stage in the life cycle of these entities, indicating their ultimate failure, disintegration, or obsolescence.
In summary, the word "demise" is primarily used as a noun to describe the end, death, or destruction of something, be it pertaining to living beings like individuals or non-living entities such as organizations or ideas. It carries connotations of finality, permanence, and loss, encapsulating the stark reality of endings and closure.
• Death; decease, formerly applied to a sovereign only; the conveyance of an estate by lease or will.
• To bequeath; to grant by will; to convey or lease.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word demise originated from the Old French word demis or demes, which meant death or cessation of life. It was derived from the Latin word demissus, the past participle of demittere, meaning to send down or to lay aside. The Latin word was formed by combining de (meaning down) and mittere (meaning to send). Over time, the meaning of demise expanded to refer to the transfer of property or title upon death, eventually taking on its current meaning of death or the end of something.