casualties - Master This Word
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casualties Word Meanings
- a person who is killed or injured in a war or accident
- a loss or damage
- a person who is involved in an accident or emergency
casualties Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
casualties Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈkæʒ.ju.əl.ti/
US
/ˈkæʒ.ju.əl.ti/
casualties Word Etymology
casual + -ty: 'casual' means by chance; 'ty' denotes a state or condition. Origin: Latin 'casualitas' → Old French → English. Imagine a scene where a sudden accident occurs, and many people rush to help, highlighting the unexpected nature of a casualty.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Hands busy, I move a fallen flag and slide into the frontline of a crowded street. A casualty lies nearby, someone hurt with shallow breaths and pleading eyes. I shift closer, press a cloth to a wound, and keep my breath steady as the scene breathes with shouting and sirens. The action tightens into care, and the word casualty shifts from rumor to a real person I help.
Real Context
Casualty is a noun used to describe a person who is killed or injured in a war, accident, or disaster, or someone who is involved in an emergency. It emphasizes the human impact and is common in news reports, hospital communications, and disaster planning. The term can refer to both serious injuries and fatalities, sometimes distinguished by 'fatal casualty' or simply 'casualties.' It is not used for inanimate losses or general costs. Common collocations include 'casualty count,' 'casualty list,' and 'number of casualties.' Pronunciation: /ˈkæʒ. uəl. ti/. Note that in some contexts 'casualty' may be paired with adjectives like 'major' or 'minor' to indicate severity.
Usage Reminders
- Know that casualty covers both injuries and deaths from an incident. Use singular or plural with clear context. It is common in formal reporting, not everyday casual talk. Distinguish between 'injured' and 'killed' when specifics matter. Watch for the collocations: casualty count, number of casualties, casualty list. Pronounce carefully: /ˈkæʒ. uəl. ti/. Do not confuse with 'victim' in everyday speech.
Common Misconceptions
- Casualty always means death; it can refer to injuries too, depending on context.
- Casualty is used only in war; it is common in accidents and disasters as well.
- Casualty equals victim; 'victim' and 'casualty' are not always interchangeable.
- Casualty refers to people only; never use for animals or objects.
- Casualty is a count noun; it should always take a plural form in reports.
Thinking Differences
Casualty is a formal, incident-focused term in English; learners should avoid using it for everyday injuries or failures. It’s common in news and medical reports, so practice with headlines and casualty counts.
Learning Tips
- Practice distinguishing injured vs killed in context.
- Learn common collocations: casualty count, casualties, list of casualties.
- Listen to news reports to hear the term in use.
- Practice plural form: casualties.
- Note pronunciation: /ˈkæʒ. uəl. ti/.
- Don't translate directly; consider context and formality.
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