Corpse
UK //kɔːps//US //kɔrps//
Definition
The dead body of a human or animal.
In simple words: A dead body, especially of a human.
Examples
- The detective found the corpse in the abandoned building.
- They buried the corpse after the autopsy was completed.
- In the horror movie, the corpse came back to life.
- The scientist studied the ancient corpse for clues about past civilizations.
- A corpse was discovered in the forest, shocking the local community.
Usage notes
Used in medical or horror contexts, not typically in casual conversation. Avoid euphemisms like 'passed away' in formal contexts.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'corpse' like 'corpse' sounds like 'cops'; imagine cops examining a dead body.
Collocations
- identify a corpse
- dispose of a corpse
- corpse found
- corpse retrieval
- corpse examination
Synonyms
- body
- remains
- cadaver
- dead body
- stiff
Antonyms
- living
- alive
- human
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'body': a corpse specifically refers to a dead body.
- Using it to describe living people, which is incorrect.
- Mispronouncing the word; it's not pronounced like 'corpse' in 'corps'.