Departed

Departed is the past participle of depart, meaning having left a place. As an adjective, it commonly describes someone who has left a location, climate, or situation. When used as a noun phrase, “the departed” refers to people who have died, especially in religious or memorial contexts. The term is often used in obituaries, eulogies, and commemorations to denote the deceased with a sense of reverence or tenderness.

Etymology and grammar: Departed derives from depart, from Old French partir, sourced through earlier Latin and Germanic roots. The form departed functions as both a past tense verb (he departed yesterday) and an adjectival past participle (the departed were remembered in the ceremony). In modern usage, context determines whether it refers to leaving a place or to death.

Cultural usage: In literature and media, “departed” appears as a descriptor for characters who have exited the story or for the deceased in elegiac passages. In religious contexts, the departed are honored and prayed for, and memorial practices often focus on remembrance of those who have died.

Notable uses: The Departed is a 2006 American crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, a remake of Infernal Affairs, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson. The film’s title uses the noun-adjective form of the same root word and is a prominent example of the word’s broader cultural reach.