défuntes

Défuntes is a French term that translates to "deceased" or "late" when referring to a female person. It is the feminine singular past participle of the verb "défunt," meaning "deceased." The masculine singular form is "défunt." The plural forms are "défunts" for masculine or mixed groups and "défuntes" for feminine groups.

The term is commonly used in formal contexts, such as legal documents, obituaries, and official announcements, to refer to a woman who has passed away. It is a polite and respectful way to indicate that someone is no longer alive. For example, one might see "la défunte Madame Dubois" or "les défuntes sœurs" in such contexts.

While "défunt" and "défunte" are standard French, other terms can be used depending on the level of formality or the specific context. "Décédé" and "décédée" are more common and general terms for "deceased." In religious contexts, terms like "la défunte" might be used in prayers or funerary rites. The usage of "défuntes" specifically denotes the feminine gender, distinguishing it from the masculine or plural forms. It is a grammatical indicator of the gender of the deceased individual or individuals.