English–French

“dead” in French

French

Pronunciation

IPA/defœ̃/

Example

Mon grand-père est défunt depuis trois ans.

My grandfather has been dead for three years.

Illustration for défunt (dead)

How to say “dead” in French

“Dead” in French is défunt.

A deceased person viewed through the language of records, memorials, and public remembrance.

Full entry for défunt: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with défunt

Ils ont parlé de son père défunt avec respect.

They spoke of his deceased father with respect.

Tips for using défunt

  • The ordinary adjective mort is usually more neutral in daily French, whereas défunt can sound ceremonious or administrative.

“dead” in other languages