mortal
B2Formal, literary, journalistic, philosophical/religious discourse.
Definition
Meaning
Subject to death; not capable of living forever.
Pertaining to humans as beings who die; causing or capable of causing death; extremely intense or severe.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As an adjective, primarily describes living beings destined to die ('mortal creatures'), or things that cause death ('a mortal wound'). As a noun, refers to a human being, often contrasted with gods or immortals. Can also mean 'a person' in a general sense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. 'Mortal lock' (AmE) is a sports betting term for a near-certain winner; less common in BrE.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Often carries literary, dramatic, or philosophical weight.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in religious/philosophical contexts (common to both). General use is moderate.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
ADJ + N (mortal danger)V + N + ADJ (consider someone mortal)BE + ADJ + to N (be mortal to humans)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “shuffle off this mortal coil (die)”
- “in mortal fear”
- “a mortal lock (AmE, a sure thing)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in dramatic contexts like 'mortal danger to the company's survival'.
Academic
Common in philosophy, theology, literature, and history to discuss human condition, ethics (mortal sin), or historical combat.
Everyday
Used for emphasis: 'I was in mortal fear of failing the test.' Also in gaming/fantasy contexts.
Technical
Medical/legal: 'mortal wound' (cause of death). Gaming: 'mortal hit' (finishing move).
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- He was mortally wounded in the battle.
- She is mortally afraid of spiders.
American English
- The soldier was mortally injured.
- He is mortally opposed to the new policy.
adjective
British English
- All mortal beings must face their end.
- He suffered a mortal injury in the duel.
American English
- We are all mortal creatures.
- The virus posed a mortal threat to the population.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Cats and dogs are mortal animals.
- All people are mortal.
- The knight received a mortal wound in the fight.
- In the story, gods sometimes fall in love with mortals.
- The two families became mortal enemies after the dispute.
- Philosophers have long pondered the nature of our mortal existence.
- The scandal struck a mortal blow to the minister's reputation.
- Her mortal fear of failure prevented her from taking any risks.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MORTal relates to MORTuary and MORtality – all about death.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY WITH A MORTAL END / DEATH IS A FINAL ENEMY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not always перевод as 'смертельный'. 'Mortal enemy' is 'смертельный враг', but 'mortal remains' are 'останки', and 'mere mortal' is 'простые смертные'.
- Avoid using 'моральный' (which means 'moral') as a false friend for 'mortal'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'mortal' with 'moral'. Incorrect: 'He has strong mortal principles.' Correct: 'moral'.
- Overusing in everyday speech where 'deadly' or 'fatal' might be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'mortal' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both can mean 'causing death'. 'Mortal' is often more literary/dramatic and can apply to wounds, enemies, or danger. 'Fatal' is more clinical and common, often used for accidents, diseases, or errors with dire consequences.
Yes. As a noun, it means 'a human being', especially when contrasted with a god or immortal being. Example: 'The goddess admired the courage of the mortals.'
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its core meanings (related to death, humans vs. gods) are more common in formal, literary, philosophical, or dramatic speech. In informal talk, it's often used for emphasis (e.g., 'mortal fear').
In Hamlet's 'to shuffle off this mortal coil', 'coil' means 'turmoil' or 'bustle'. The phrase metaphorically refers to the troubles and burdens of earthly life, which one leaves behind at death.
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