Immortality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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immortality
[ˌɪmɔːˈtælɪti ]
Definitions
quest for
The state of being able to live forever; eternal life.
Synonyms
eternity, everlasting life, perpetuity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| immortality |
Again, see previous entry.
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| eternity |
Typically used to denote an infinite or unending span of time, often in spiritual, religious, or poetic contexts.
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| everlasting life |
Usually found in religious contexts, referring specifically to a life that continues indefinitely, often in a spiritual realm.
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| perpetuity |
Often used in legal or financial contexts to denote something that continues indefinitely, such as a perpetual contract or annuity. It can also be used more generally to describe an unending state.
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Examples of usage
- The search for the fountain of youth was driven by the desire for immortality.
- Legends and myths often revolve around characters seeking immortality.
belief in
The belief that one's soul or essence continues to exist beyond physical death.
Synonyms
afterlife, eternal life, resurrection.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| immortality |
Best used in discussions about living forever, particularly in myths, legends, or philosophical contexts.
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| afterlife |
Ideal for religious or spiritual contexts when referring to life after death.
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| eternal life |
Often used in religious contexts, particularly Christianity, to describe life that continues forever after death. Can also be used philosophically.
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| resurrection |
Best used in religious contexts, especially Christianity, to denote rising from the dead. Can also describe a return or revival of something.
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Examples of usage
- Many religions incorporate the concept of immortality into their teachings.
- Some people find comfort in the idea of immortality after death.
quality of being
The quality of being remembered or celebrated through time.
Synonyms
enduring legacy, eternal fame, perpetual remembrance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| immortality |
Use this word when referring to the concept of living forever or being remembered forever, often in a mythological or philosophical context.
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| eternal fame |
This term is best used when describing someone becoming famous forever, usually for extraordinary achievements or deeds. It often has a grandiose or exaggerated tone.
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| enduring legacy |
This phrase is appropriate when discussing the long-lasting impact or influence someone or something leaves behind, especially in a positive or respectful way.
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| perpetual remembrance |
This phrase is suitable for situations where constant and ongoing remembrance is emphasized, often in a solemn or respectful manner.
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Examples of usage
- The artist achieved a form of immortality through his timeless works.
- Heroes are often immortalized in stories and songs.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The concept of immortality dates back to ancient cultures, with pyramids built in Egypt to ensure eternal life for pharaohs.
- The word comes from the Latin 'immortalitas,' meaning 'not subject to death' or 'eternal.'
- Many ancient societies believed in an afterlife, where a part of a person lived on forever, influencing ideas of immortality.
Pop Culture
- Famous movies, like 'Avatar' and 'Troy,' explore the theme of immortality and the human desire to transcend death.
- The character of Count Dracula is often associated with immortality, showcasing both the allure and the dark side of living forever.
- Video games like 'The Legend of Zelda' often include elements of immortality, where heroes face challenges that test their everlasting nature.
Science
- Some scientists study organisms like the jellyfish Turritopsis dohrnii, known as the 'immortal jellyfish,' which can revert to earlier life stages.
- Research into telomeres, the protective caps on chromosomes, is advancing our understanding of aging and potential pathways to extended life.
- Cryonics is a controversial field where people preserve their bodies at low temperatures with the hope of future revival.
Philosophy
- Philosophical discussions often raise questions about the meaning of life and how immortality impacts values and ethics.
- Some philosophers argue that knowing one could live forever might diminish the appreciation for life and its fleeting moments.
- Discussions about immortality bring up ideas of legacy and how one’s actions live on even after death through memories and influence.
Literature
- Many classic literary works, like Homer’s 'Odyssey,' explore themes of death and immortality, often showing the struggles of heroes seeking eternal fame.
- Shakespeare’s works frequently delve into the concept of afterlife and enduring legacy through memorable characters.
- In the story 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde, the quest for immortality leads to moral decay and tragic consequences.
Origin of 'immortality'
The concept of immortality has fascinated humanity for centuries, with various cultures and religions exploring the idea of eternal life. From ancient myths of gods and goddesses who possessed immortality to modern interpretations of life beyond death, the notion of living forever has been a recurring theme in literature, art, and philosophy. While the quest for immortality remains a subject of debate and speculation, the desire to transcend mortality continues to shape human beliefs and aspirations.
See also: immortals.