mortal

We often use "mortal" to describe humans and other living beings that will eventually die. It is also used for things connected with death or great danger, such as a "mortal wound" or a "mortal enemy." In stories and myths, the word often helps show the difference between ordinary people and immortal gods.

The word comes from Latin roots linked to death, so it often carries the idea that life is limited. A "mortal wound" is an injury serious enough to cause death. The word can sound thoughtful, dramatic, or literary because it reminds us that life does not last forever.

"Mortal" has several related meanings, all centered on death and the limits of life. Most commonly, it describes a person, animal, or other living being that can die. We are mortal creatures, and "Humans are mortal" is a simple statement about the human condition that appears often in philosophy, religion, and literature.

But the word is not limited to describing living beings. It can also describe something that causes death or is tied closely to death. A "mortal wound" is one that will cause death, and in older or more dramatic English, a "mortal enemy" is an enemy seen as deadly or unforgiving.

In religious language, a "mortal sin" is a very serious sin that is believed to separate a person from God's grace. This is a special use, but it is common enough that many learners will meet it.

Historically and in literature, "mortal" is often used to contrast humans with gods or other immortal beings. In that sense, "mortals" simply means ordinary human beings who do not live forever. This use is common in myths, fantasy stories, and poetic writing.

So the word can describe someone who will die, something deadly, or a deeply human state of being limited in life and power. Depending on the context, it may sound neutral, serious, literary, or dramatic.