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difunto

dee-FOON-toh/diˈfun.to/

late, deceased

Also: departed
AdjectivemB1formal
A single white lily flower sitting on a dark wooden table in a dimly lit room.

📝 In Action

Mi difunto abuelo era un hombre muy sabio.

B1

My late grandfather was a very wise man.

Hicieron una ceremonia en honor a la difunta escritora.

B2

They held a ceremony in honor of the deceased writer.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • muerto (dead)
  • finado (late/deceased)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • el difunto rey – the late king

the deceased

Also: dead person
NounmB1
A peaceful stone monument in a quiet, green garden with flowers at its base.

📝 In Action

La familia del difunto recibió muchas flores.

B1

The family of the deceased received many flowers.

En México, celebran el Día de los Fieles Difuntos.

B2

In Mexico, they celebrate the Day of the Faithful Departed.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • occiso (victim/deceased (legal term))

Common Collocations

  • velar al difunto – to hold a wake for the deceased
  • los fieles difuntos – the faithful departed

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "difunto" in Spanish:

dead person→deceased→departed→late→the deceased→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: difunto

Question 1 of 1

Which word is more respectful to use in an obituary?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
defunción(death/passing) — Noun
fallecer(to pass away) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'defunctus,' which means 'finished' or 'discharged from duty.' It's like saying a person has finished their work in this life.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: defunctFrench: défunt

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'difunto' for animals?

Generally, no. 'Difunto' is reserved for human beings to show respect. For animals, 'muerto' is the standard word.

What is the female version of 'difunto'?

The female version is 'difunta.' For example, 'mi difunta abuela' (my late grandmother).