Can we use “inert” as an euphemism for “dead”? [on hold]
I was told by many people that the we can't use "inert" to mean "dead". However, the two are considered synonyms. I understand that the meanings are very different; however, I feel it can be used to mean dead. I understand that inert doesn't necessarily mean dead, but all dead people are inert, so I feel that we can use it to mean dead.
The people who disagree with this probably mean that it can't be used to mean dead literally, but what about when we're using a figure of speech such as euphemism? When we use a figure of speech, we're using a figurative language and not literal language. Am I correct?
For example:
The coffin for our inert father was ready.
He's inert now, he's gone for good.
meaning figures-of-speech euphemisms
asked yesterday
wokenwoken
11
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put on hold as off-topic by Jason Bassford, Matt E. Эллен♦ 12 hours ago
- This question does not appear to be about English language and usage within the scope defined in the help center.
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
add a comment |
I was told by many people that the we can't use "inert" to mean "dead". However, the two are considered synonyms. I understand that the meanings are very different; however, I feel it can be used to mean dead. I understand that inert doesn't necessarily mean dead, but all dead people are inert, so I feel that we can use it to mean dead.
The people who disagree with this probably mean that it can't be used to mean dead literally, but what about when we're using a figure of speech such as euphemism? When we use a figure of speech, we're using a figurative language and not literal language. Am I correct?
For example:
The coffin for our inert father was ready.
He's inert now, he's gone for good.
meaning figures-of-speech euphemisms
asked yesterday
wokenwoken
11
New contributor
woken is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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put on hold as off-topic by Jason Bassford, Matt E. Эллен♦ 12 hours ago
- This question does not appear to be about English language and usage within the scope defined in the help center.
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
If you want to make a joke, sure.
– Rusty Core
23 hours ago
Where did you hear or read that inert and dead are synonyms?
– The Photon
22 hours ago
thefreedictionary.com
– woken
22 hours ago
1
Be aware that inert is not a euphemism for dead, and using it that way is certain to cause distress and offence.
– Chappo
21 hours ago
@Chappo - But not by the dead guy :-)
– Jim
19 hours ago
add a comment |
I was told by many people that the we can't use "inert" to mean "dead". However, the two are considered synonyms. I understand that the meanings are very different; however, I feel it can be used to mean dead. I understand that inert doesn't necessarily mean dead, but all dead people are inert, so I feel that we can use it to mean dead.
The people who disagree with this probably mean that it can't be used to mean dead literally, but what about when we're using a figure of speech such as euphemism? When we use a figure of speech, we're using a figurative language and not literal language. Am I correct?
For example:
The coffin for our inert father was ready.
He's inert now, he's gone for good.
meaning figures-of-speech euphemisms
asked yesterday
wokenwoken
11
New contributor
woken is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I was told by many people that the we can't use "inert" to mean "dead". However, the two are considered synonyms. I understand that the meanings are very different; however, I feel it can be used to mean dead. I understand that inert doesn't necessarily mean dead, but all dead people are inert, so I feel that we can use it to mean dead.
The people who disagree with this probably mean that it can't be used to mean dead literally, but what about when we're using a figure of speech such as euphemism? When we use a figure of speech, we're using a figurative language and not literal language. Am I correct?
For example:
The coffin for our inert father was ready.
He's inert now, he's gone for good.
meaning figures-of-speech euphemisms
meaning figures-of-speech euphemisms
asked yesterday
wokenwoken
11
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woken is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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asked yesterday
wokenwoken
11
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edited 21 hours ago
woken
asked yesterday
wokenwoken
11
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asked yesterday
wokenwoken
11
asked yesterday
wokenwoken
11
11
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woken is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor
woken is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
woken is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
put on hold as off-topic by Jason Bassford, Matt E. Эллен♦ 12 hours ago
- This question does not appear to be about English language and usage within the scope defined in the help center.
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
put on hold as off-topic by Jason Bassford, Matt E. Эллен♦ 12 hours ago
- This question does not appear to be about English language and usage within the scope defined in the help center.
If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
If you want to make a joke, sure.
– Rusty Core
23 hours ago
Where did you hear or read that inert and dead are synonyms?
– The Photon
22 hours ago
thefreedictionary.com
– woken
22 hours ago
1
Be aware that inert is not a euphemism for dead, and using it that way is certain to cause distress and offence.
– Chappo
21 hours ago
@Chappo - But not by the dead guy :-)
– Jim
19 hours ago
add a comment |
If you want to make a joke, sure.
– Rusty Core
23 hours ago
Where did you hear or read that inert and dead are synonyms?
– The Photon
22 hours ago
thefreedictionary.com
– woken
22 hours ago
1
Be aware that inert is not a euphemism for dead, and using it that way is certain to cause distress and offence.
– Chappo
21 hours ago
@Chappo - But not by the dead guy :-)
– Jim
19 hours ago
If you want to make a joke, sure.
– Rusty Core
23 hours ago
If you want to make a joke, sure.
– Rusty Core
23 hours ago
Where did you hear or read that inert and dead are synonyms?
– The Photon
22 hours ago
Where did you hear or read that inert and dead are synonyms?
– The Photon
22 hours ago
thefreedictionary.com
– woken
22 hours ago
thefreedictionary.com
– woken
22 hours ago
1
1
Be aware that inert is not a euphemism for dead, and using it that way is certain to cause distress and offence.
– Chappo
21 hours ago
Be aware that inert is not a euphemism for dead, and using it that way is certain to cause distress and offence.
– Chappo
21 hours ago
@Chappo - But not by the dead guy :-)
– Jim
19 hours ago
@Chappo - But not by the dead guy :-)
– Jim
19 hours ago
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
Inert is closer to "motionless" or "dormant". Inert things are capable of action, but not likely to take it. Dead, things can take no action, as they are dead.
answered yesterday
SciFiGuySciFiGuy
107
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1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Inert is closer to "motionless" or "dormant". Inert things are capable of action, but not likely to take it. Dead, things can take no action, as they are dead.
answered yesterday
SciFiGuySciFiGuy
107
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Inert is closer to "motionless" or "dormant". Inert things are capable of action, but not likely to take it. Dead, things can take no action, as they are dead.
answered yesterday
SciFiGuySciFiGuy
107
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Inert is closer to "motionless" or "dormant". Inert things are capable of action, but not likely to take it. Dead, things can take no action, as they are dead.
answered yesterday
SciFiGuySciFiGuy
107
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Inert is closer to "motionless" or "dormant". Inert things are capable of action, but not likely to take it. Dead, things can take no action, as they are dead.
answered yesterday
SciFiGuySciFiGuy
107
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answered yesterday
SciFiGuySciFiGuy
107
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answered yesterday
SciFiGuySciFiGuy
107
answered yesterday
SciFiGuySciFiGuy
107
107
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New contributor
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add a comment |
add a comment |
If you want to make a joke, sure.
– Rusty Core
23 hours ago
Where did you hear or read that inert and dead are synonyms?
– The Photon
22 hours ago
thefreedictionary.com
– woken
22 hours ago
1
Be aware that inert is not a euphemism for dead, and using it that way is certain to cause distress and offence.
– Chappo
21 hours ago
@Chappo - But not by the dead guy :-)
– Jim
19 hours ago