deathless
UK[ˈdɛθləs]US[ˈdɛθləs]
adj
Never dying or forgotten; immortal or eternal.
Morpheme Breakdown
death
less
death
cessation of life
less
without
Etymology
The word 'deathless' is a transparent compound formed within English from its native Germanic elements. The first element, 'death', originates from the Old English 'dēaþ', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic 'dauþuz', itself from the Proto-Indo-European root 'dheu-' meaning 'to die'. The suffix '-less', from Old English '-lēas', originally meant 'devoid of' and is related to the verb 'to lose'. Therefore, the literal construction 'devoid of death' logically yields the figurative meanings of immortality and enduring fame, describing something so significant it transcends mortality.
Analysis
Structure: death (cessation of life) + less (without)
- death: From Old English 'dēaþ', of Germanic origin, related to 'die'. The core noun denoting the end of life.
- less: From Old English '-lēas', meaning 'devoid of, free from'. A suffix forming adjectives.
Examples
The poet achieved deathless fame through his timeless verses.
She created a deathless work of art that continues to inspire generations.
Their deathless courage became a legend in the annals of history.