DEAD LETTER Meaning and
Definition
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A "dead letter" refers to a communication that is rendered ineffective or without practical consequence. This term primarily applies to written messages, such as letters or written laws, that have become obsolete, outdated, or unenforced. A dead letter often contains instructions, information, or laws that are no longer relevant or have lost their binding force due to new regulations, changes in circumstances, or simply the passage of time.
In legal contexts, a dead letter refers to laws or regulations that are still officially in effect but are no longer enforced or followed due to being outdated or impractical. These laws continue to exist but have become functionally obsolete, as they fail to meet the evolving needs or priorities of society.
Similarly, a dead letter can also refer to written correspondence that becomes obsolete or disregarded, usually due to a lack of response or action from the intended recipient. These letters remain undelivered, unread, or unanswered, and as a result, lose their purpose or relevance.
Moreover, the phrase "dead letter" can be metaphorically applied to any written or verbal communication that fails to achieve its intended purpose or effect. It implies that the message has become dormant, ineffective, or lost in the abyss of irrelevance, often due to neglect, lack of attention, or disregard by the recipient or society at large.
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At a post-office, a letter whose owner cannot be found.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DEAD LETTER
- sead letter
- xead letter
- cead letter
- fead letter
- read letter
- eead letter
- dwad letter
- dsad letter
- ddad letter
- drad letter
- d4ad letter
- d3ad letter
- dezd letter
- desd letter
- dewd letter
- deqd letter
- deas letter
- deax letter
- deac letter
Etymology of DEAD LETTER
The term "dead letter" originated in the early 18th century and refers to a piece of mail that is undeliverable to the intended recipient or cannot be forwarded due to incorrect or insufficient address information. The word "dead" in this context refers to the fact that the correspondence has become inactive or unresponsive, rendering it irrelevant or useless. It is believed that the term may have derived from the earlier usage of "dead" to describe anything inert, lifeless, or unproductive. The word "letter" retains its original meaning, referring to a written message or correspondence.
Idioms with the word DEAD LETTER
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a dead letter
The idiom "a dead letter" is used to describe something that is no longer valid, effective, or enforced. It refers to a law, rule, or regulation that has become obsolete and is no longer followed or applied. It implies that the original intention or purpose of the written document or decree is no longer alive or relevant.
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dead letter
The term "dead letter" refers to a written communication that is considered no longer valid or relevant, usually due to being ignored, forgotten, or left unopened for a long period of time. It can also refer to a law or regulation that is no longer enforced or observed.
Similar spelling words for DEAD LETTER
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