What does mortal mean?
Mortal describes something that can die or that belongs to the world of human life. A mortal being is necessarily limited and subject to death, while a mortal wound or danger is one that can cause death. The word often appears in serious, elevated, or dramatic contexts, but it is also familiar through expressions such as “mortal danger,” “mortal enemy,” and “mortal combat.” In philosophical and religious discussion, the contrast with immortality is especially important: mortality names the human condition of eventual death. As a noun, a mortal is simply a human person, though the term often carries literary or solemn associations. Its strongest figurative uses emphasize human vulnerability, the permanence of death, or a danger that cannot be disregarded.
Subject to death; liable or destined to die. Also, capable of causing death or likely to cause death.
"The mortal wound spread infection through the soldier's body."
Often used in figurative phrases involving danger, enemies, or consequences that cannot safely be ignored.
A human being, especially when viewed as subject to death.
"The philosopher asked what duties a mortal owes to fellow humans."
Chiefly literary, philosophical, or religious in tone; the ordinary everyday word is usually “person” or “human.”
The plural is used especially in literary or philosophical contexts.
"The story follows a group of mortals who discover they are the only people left on earth."
From the Latin mortalis, meaning “subject to death,” mortal also carries the broader idea of belonging to the world of humans and finite life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mortal come from?
The word comes from Latin mortalis, meaning “subject to death” or “mortal,” from mors, “death.” It entered English through Old French and was established in English by the medieval period. Its best-known relatives include mortality and mortally, while immortal preserves the contrasting idea of life that does not end.
Related word forms
How mortal is actually used
The adjective is formal or literary in many contexts, while “mortal” in phrases such as “mortal danger” and “mortal wound” is common in journalism, storytelling, and figurative speech. As a noun, it is especially common in literature, philosophy, and religious discourse.
Easily confused with mortal
Mortal relates to death or human mortality, whereas moral relates to right and wrong or ethical conduct.