"to kill" and to "slay"

[Annaa]

Is this have the same meaning: to murder?
Thanks

[Yankee]

Hi Annaa

Have you checked the dictionary definitions? http://www.onelook.com/
Why not do that and then try to use the words in your own sentences and then post your sentences for comment?

The verb 'kill' has a wide variety of usages -- both literal and figurative. The meaning is less specific than 'murder'. One person can kill another person. A person can be killed (but not murdered) by a collapsing building in an earthquake. You can kill a plant if you over-water it. You can kill time. etc.

In the Oxford Dictionary, one of the main definitions of the verb 'murder' is:
kill unlawfully and with premeditation
The act of murder generally involves one person killing another person.

The verb 'slay' is a more old-fashioned word and not used as often as either kill or murder. It is mainly used figuratively and in certain collocations (for example, 'slay a dragon').

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Annaa]

Thank you very much for such wide explanation. I am a new one here and haven't known about dictionary onelook. I will be using it before asking here.
Personally I think that looking through this forum gives us the opportunity to learn in more effective way than glancing at some entries in dictionary (especially when contrasting words). I wouldn't mind reading here a pile (?) of questions every day. Even if some question doesn't have answer it intrigues me to examine the "problem".
Regards
Anna

[Jamie (K)]