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# the departed

phrase (noun phrase, «the departed»; a past participle used as a noun, singular or plural); «depart» is a verb (depart, departs, departed, departing)

«the departed» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, polite) the dead person, or dead people.
2. (literal, as adjective) «departed» = having left, e.g. a departed train or guest.

### In the lessons

Used in funerals, sympathy cards, religious services and serious writing to speak of the dead with respect, without the hard word «dead». Formal and polite in every English-speaking country. In travel talk «depart» simply means leave (departures board at an airport).

### Examples

- (funeral) The priest said a prayer for the departed.
- (sympathy card) May the departed rest in peace.
- The family gathered to share memories of the departed.
- (news) The names of the departed were read out at the memorial.
- (story) In the old tale, the departed returned as gentle ghosts.
- (literal) Our train departed at ten past nine.
- (airport) Flight 27 has departed from gate 4.

### Note

Trap: «the departed» (a person who died) vs «departed» on a timetable (the train left). The noun use needs «the». It sounds formal and a bit distant; in a friendly chat «my late grandad» or «who passed away» is warmer.