mortal

[ˈmɔːtəl]

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mortally - mortal

A mortal is someone who will eventually die.

When we say "mortal," we usually mean that something or someone has a limited lifespan. People are mortal, but so are animals and objects like cars or buildings. For example, if you're talking about a beautiful old house that's been around for decades, you might call it a "mortal" building because it will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. The word "mortal" can also describe things that have a limited time frame, like a deadline that is mortal – in other words, it will soon pass.

How common is "mortal"?

Word mortal is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

noun

A human; someone susceptible to death.
Example: Her wisdom was beyond that of a mere mortal.

immortal

adjective

Susceptible to death by aging, sickness, injury, or wound; not immortal.
Causing death; deadly, fatal, killing, lethal (now only of wounds, injuries etc.).
Punishable by death.
Fatally vulnerable.
Of or relating to the time of death.
Affecting as if with power to kill; deathly.
Example: mortal enemy
Human; belonging or pertaining to people who are mortal.
Example: mortal wit or knowledge; mortal power
Very painful or tedious; wearisome.
Example: a sermon lasting two mortal hours
Very drunk; wasted; smashed.
Of a sin: involving the penalty of spiritual death, rather than merely venial.

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adverb

Mortally; enough to cause death.
Example: It's mortal cold out there.

Real examples of "mortally" in context

Can a Ping-Pong Ball Really Be Deadly? | MythBusters | Discovery

Entertainment

Yep, despite the extreme air pressure and a supersonic ball making the pig fly, the impact did not mortally harm the ham.

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