The term "letra muerta" translates to "dead letter" in English and refers to a written text or document that is no longer functional or relevant. It can also indicate something that is written but has no practical significance or that is ignored. The frequency of use is moderate, particularly in legal, bureaucratic, and literary contexts, and it tends to appear more frequently in written language compared to oral speech.
La propuesta quedó como letra muerta debido a la falta de interés.
The proposal became a dead letter due to a lack of interest.
A veces, las leyes se convierten en letra muerta si no se aplican.
Sometimes, laws become dead letters if they are not applied.
La carta que envié a la administración fue letra muerta, ya que nunca respondieron.
The letter I sent to the administration was a dead letter, as they never responded.
The term "letra muerta" is commonly used in various idiomatic expressions, often to convey a sense of futility or neglect concerning written agreements or ideas.
"La ley es letra muerta si no se aplica."
The law is a dead letter if it is not enforced.
"Lo que promete este documento puede ser letra muerta si no hay compromiso."
What this document promises can be dead letter if there is no commitment.
"La crítica literaria a veces se siente como letra muerta en un mundo que prioriza las ventas."
Literary criticism sometimes feels like dead letter in a world that prioritizes sales.
"En el debate, las ideas se quedan en letra muerta sin acción efectiva."
In the debate, the ideas remain dead letters without effective action.
"Sus promesas se convirtieron en letra muerta cuando no cumplió."
His promises became dead letters when he did not follow through.
The phrase "letra muerta" combines "letra," which means "letter" or "character" (from Latin "littera"), and "muerta," meaning "dead" (from Latin "mors," meaning "death"). The expression metaphorically describes text that has lost its vitality or purpose.
Superficial writing
Antonyms:
This comprehensive overview of "letra muerta" emphasizes its significance in various contexts, showing its relevance in both language and practical applications.