intestate
noun C2
Plain meaning
having died without leaving a legal will
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe having died without leaving a legal will, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalThe article mentioned intestate as one of the main issues.
examThe author examines intestate in relation to social change, public policy, and institutional responsibility.
Common collocations
a clear intestateevidence of intestatewidespread intestate
Watch out
Do not use “intestate” as a vague high-level replacement; make sure the sentence really needs this specific noun.