What does immortally mean?
Immortally is an adverb meaning forever, permanently, or in a way that endures beyond ordinary human life. It is a literary and relatively uncommon alternative to words such as forever and eternally, and it can lend a poetic or elevated tone to descriptions of love, reputation, memory, and artistic influence. The word may also suggest an existence without death: an object or person portrayed as living immortally, or something intended to preserve a legacy permanently. Its uncommon register makes it more expressive in formal writing, historical narrative, and imaginative contexts than in ordinary conversation. While closely related to the adjective immortal, immortally specifically describes the manner or duration of an action, state, or condition rather than a quality of being itself.
adverbIn a way that lasts forever or for an unlimited period of time. It can also mean as if someone were immortal.
- For all time; forever.
- In an enduring or unchanging manner.
- As if possessed of immortality.
"The love between the two characters is portrayed as immortally enduring."
"Her kindness is remembered immortally in the village's oral history."
"The sculpture was intended to preserve the ruler's image immortally."
A word for love that is meant to outlast every lifetime.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does immortally come from?
Immortally derives from the adjective immortal, which comes from Latin immortalis, formed from in-, meaning not or without, and mortalis, meaning mortal. The Latin root relates to mors, death. The English form developed through Old French and Middle English, while the adverbial use reflects the later addition of the suffix -ly.
Related word forms
How immortally is actually used
Immortally is literary and elevated rather than everyday. In modern usage it is especially associated with permanent love, reputation, memory, or artistic achievement.