The spelling of the word "demised" can be confusing due to the silent "e" at the end. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /dɪˈmaɪzd/. The "d" is pronounced as normal, the "i" sounds like the "i" in "ship", the "m" is also pronounced normally, and the "s" sounds like the "z" in "zip". The final "e" is silent, but it affects the pronunciation of the "i" before it, lengthening it to sound like the "i" in "ice".
The term "demised" is primarily used as a verb in legal and formal contexts, derived from the noun "demise." Its fundamental meaning refers to the act of transferring or conveying property, rights, or assets, usually from one individual or entity to another, through a lease, grant, or will. This transference typically occurs upon the death of the individual who held the property or rights, but it can also be employed while they are still alive. The process of demise involves the passing down or bequeathing of legal entitlements, such as land, real estate, tenancy, or even a title, to another party.
In the context of real estate and leases, the term "demised" refers to the actual granting or renting of a property to a tenant by the landlord. It signifies a legal agreement in which the landlord hands over possession and control of the property for a specified period, usually in exchange for rent or other agreed-upon considerations. Here, "demised" precisely defines the transfer or grant of the property's leasehold estate.
Overall, the term "demised" commonly represents the process of transferring property or rights, usually through a lease or will, whereas in the realm of real estate, it refers to the act of granting or renting a property to a tenant.
The word "demised" comes from the Middle English term "demisen", which originated from the Old French word "demettre". "Demettre" itself is a combination of the Latin words "de" (down) and "mittere" (to cause to go). Therefore, the etymology of "demised" essentially means "to cause to go down", which is often associated with the sense of transferring property, rights, or titles upon death.