die1
v.
(dies, dying, died)
- stop living.
▸
(die out)
become extinct.
▸be forgotten.
-
(often die away/down)
become less loud or strong.
- informal used to emphasize strong desire, embarrassment, shock, etc.:
![]()
I nearly died when I saw them.
▸
(be dying for/to do something)
be very eager for something.
Phrase
- die a
(or the)
death
Brit. fail utterly or come to an end. - die hard
change very slowly:![]()
old habits die hard.
- never say die
said to encourage someone not to give up hope. - to die for
informal extremely good or desirable.
Etymology
ME: from ON deyja, of Gmc origin; rel. to dead.
die2
n.
- singular form of dice.
(pl. dies)
a device for cutting or moulding metal or for stamping a design on coins or medals.(pl. dies)
Architecture the cubic part of a pedestal between the base and the cornice; a dado or plinth.
Phrase
- the die is cast
a decision has been taken that cannot be changed. -
(as)
straight as a die
- completely straight.
- entirely open and honest.
Usage
In modern standard English, the singular die (rather than dice) for sense 1 is relatively uncommon. Dice is widely used for both the singular and the plural.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. de, from L. datum ‘something given or played’, neut. past part. of dare.
