deadness en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈdɛdnəs/
Etymology
Etymology tree English dead Proto-Germanic *-inōną Proto-Indo-European *-dyé- Proto-Germanic *-atjaną Proto-Indo-European *-tus Proto-Germanic *-þuz Proto-Germanic *-assuz Proto-Germanic *-inassuz Proto-West Germanic *-nassī Old English -nes Middle English -nesse English -ness English deadness From dead + -ness.
Meanings
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(uncountable, usually) The state of not being alive; lifelessness.
O may it be my constant care to watch and pray; the neglect of which was the chief cause of my former deadness.
1840, John Wesley, The Works of the Reverend John Wesley, A.M, page 334:
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(uncountable, usually) A lack of elasticity.
He complained that the deadness of the balls affected his game.
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(uncountable, usually) A lack of sparkle in a fizzy drink.
The deadness of the champagne made it undrinkable.
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(uncountable, usually) A lack of animation in a person.
The deadness of his expression told everything, without him having to speak.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| deadnesses | Number=Plur | lexicographic | |
| deadnesse | alternative | lexicographic |