WordGarden.iomortal
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɔːtəl/
US
- /ˈmɔrtəl/
Meanings
Adjective
subject to death; human rather than immortal
causing death or likely to end in death
Noun
a human being, especially as opposed to a god or immortal
Beyond the definition
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.
Examples
- 1
Living things
All living creatures are mortal.
- 2
Mythology
In the myth, a goddess falls in love with a mortal man.
- 3
Serious injury
He survived what doctors first thought was a mortal wound.
- 4
Strong fear
She has a mortal fear of deep water.
- Phrasemortal fear
very strong fear
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Political damage
The scandal dealt a mortal blow to his political career.
- Phrasea mortal blow
damage so serious that something cannot recover
- 6
Family conflict
The two families had been mortal enemies for generations.
- Phrasemortal enemy
a very serious enemy
- 7
Humorous contrast
For us mere mortals, running a marathon in under three hours seems impossible.
- Phrasemere mortals
ordinary people, often said humorously
- 8
Formal death
The family asked for his mortal remains to be brought home.
- Usagemortal remains
a formal phrase for a dead body
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- mortalnounadjective
Forms
- mortalspluralnounadjective