die

die¹

verb (dies, dying, died)

1》 stop living.

    ↘(die out) become extinct.

    ↘be forgotten.

2》 (often die away/down) become less loud or strong.

3》 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.

Phrases

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.

Origin

ME: from ON deyja, of Gmc origin; related to dead.

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die²

noun

1》 singular form of dice.

2》 (plural dies) a device for cutting or moulding metal or for stamping a design on coins or medals.

3》 (plural dies) Architecture the cubic part of a pedestal between the base and the cornice; a dado or plinth.

Phrases

the die is cast a decision has been taken that cannot be changed.

(as) straight as a die

1》 completely straight.

2》 entirely open and honest.

Origin

ME: from OFr. de, from L. datum 'something given or played', neut. past participle of dare.

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.