Die Vs. Pass Away

These verbs are synonyms but they differ in their level of politeness and we are going to discuss this difference in this lesson.

What is the difference between 'die' and 'pass away'?

Both 'die' and 'pass away' mean to no longer be alive. However, 'pass away' is a euphemistic terms that is often used to avoid using 'die', e.g. to sound more respectful. This lesson will explore the differences in the context of use of these verbs.

Difference in Context and Level of Politeness

'Die' is a more direct and straightforward term, commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a general and neutral term for the biological process of death. On the other hand, 'pass away' is often considered a more euphemistic or gentle expression, frequently used in polite or sensitive situations, or when discussing someone's death with empathy. Additionally, 'pass away' is typically used when someone dies of a natural cause or a disease, while 'die' can be used to refer to losing life by any cause. For example:

People die when their bodies stop functioning.

The patient died from a heart attack.

When referring to the biological process of losing life 'die' cannot be used interchangeably with 'pass away'

She passed away at the age of 90, surrounded by her loved ones.

The renowned author passed away yesterday, leaving behind a legacy of great literature.

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