mortal

UK: ˈmɔːt(ə)l | US: ˈmɔːrt(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. 1. subject to death; not immortal

  2. adj. 2. causing death; fatal

  3. n. 3. a human being (often emphasizing vulnerability or impermanence)

Structure
mort <death>al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

mortal = mort<death> + al<adjective suffix>

  • mort (from Latin mors, mortis meaning "death")
  • al (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, e.g., "natural," "personal")

Etymology Origin:
The word mortal traces back to Latin mortalis, combining mort- (death) and -alis (pertaining to). It entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its core sense of "bound to die." The root mort appears in related terms like mortuary (place for the dead) and immortal (not subject to death). The duality of mortal—describing both the condition of being human and the capacity to cause death—reflects its Latin roots in warfare and philosophy, where mortality was a central theme.

Examples

  1. All humans are mortal, but their legacies may endure.

  2. The wound proved mortal, and he succumbed within hours.

  3. Ancient myths often depict gods mocking mortal weaknesses.

  4. She faced the challenge with mortal determination.

  5. The disease is mortal if left untreated.