Mortal

Mortal

Adjective / Noun · /ˈmɔː.təl/

Definition

(Adjective) subject to death; not immortal; causing death; fatal (a mortal wound); extreme or very great (mortal fear, mortal enemies); (Noun, chiefly literary) a human being, as distinguished from a divine or supernatural being.

Origin

From Old French mortel, from Latin mortalis (subject to death), from mors/mortis (death), from mori (to die). The same mori root giving mortal, mortality, mortify, mortuary, mortician, and immortal. The word appearing in English from the 14th century. Mortal sin in Catholic theology is a sin grave enough to sever the soul's relationship with God — contrasted with venial sin (lesser, pardonable offences). The phrase mortal combat meaning combat to the death.