mortal mind: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary, Philosophical, Religious
Quick answer
What does “mortal mind” mean?
A philosophical or religious concept referring to the finite, human, error-prone consciousness, often contrasted with a divine or perfect intelligence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A philosophical or religious concept referring to the finite, human, error-prone consciousness, often contrasted with a divine or perfect intelligence.
In Christian Science, the term specifically denotes the flawed, carnal, and material human perception, seen as the source of sin, sickness, and death, which must be overcome by understanding divine reality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or grammatical differences. The concept is identical in usage. The term's frequency is tied to contexts where Christian Science or similar metaphysical philosophies are discussed.
Connotations
Primarily carries the theological connotations of Christian Science. In broader philosophical contexts, it may simply contrast human and divine intellect without the specific doctrinal implications.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general corpora. Its use is almost entirely confined to theological, metaphysical, or philosophical texts, particularly those related to Mary Baker Eddy's teachings.
Grammar
How to Use “mortal mind” in a Sentence
the + mortal mindmortal mind + [verb of error or limitation (e.g., believes, fears, errs)]overcome/deny/understand + mortal mindVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mortal mind” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The teachings aim to help one overcome mortal mind.
- She worked to deny the claims of mortal mind daily.
American English
- The practitioner prayed to counteract mortal mind.
- He understood the need to silence mortal mind's doubts.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. The term is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable. The term is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- This is a mortal-mind perspective, not a spiritual one.
- He was trapped in mortal-mind beliefs about illness.
American English
- The mortal-mind illusion of lack can be dispelled.
- She rejected the mortal-mind testimony of the senses.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological studies, philosophy of religion, or historical studies of New Thought movements.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would be confusing without specific context.
Technical
A precise technical term within the metaphysics of Christian Science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mortal mind”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mortal mind”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mortal mind”
- Using it as a casual synonym for 'worried mind' or 'anxious mind'.
- Capitalising it incorrectly (it is not typically a proper noun unless directly referencing the Divine Science contrast).
- Treating 'mortal' as an intensifier (e.g., 'a mortal fear in my mind').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a metaphysical concept referring to a mode of false, materialistic consciousness, not the physical organ. It encompasses all human error, sin, and belief in material reality.
Only if you are specifically discussing historical or religious influences on concepts of the mind. It is not a term in modern scientific psychology.
Within its primary theological context, yes. It represents everything that is opposed to divine perfection and must be overcome. In a more general philosophical sense, it may neutrally denote the limitations of human understanding.
Typically, no. It is usually written in lowercase. However, in Christian Science texts, when directly contrasted with the capitalised 'Mind' (meaning God), it is sometimes seen as 'mortal mind' to emphasise the distinction.
A philosophical or religious concept referring to the finite, human, error-prone consciousness, often contrasted with a divine or perfect intelligence.
Mortal mind is usually literary, philosophical, religious in register.
Mortal mind: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɔː.təl ˈmaɪnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɔːr.t̬əl ˈmaɪnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a doctrinal term, not an idiomatic expression.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MORTAL = subject to death, MIND = thinking. So, "mortal mind" is the kind of thinking that believes in death and limitation.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A CONTAINER (for error). HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS IS A FALSE PROJECTION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'mortal mind' MOST precisely and commonly used?