Mortality: meaning, definitions and examples

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mortality

 

[mɔːrˈtalɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

rate of

The state of being subject to death; death as a subject for contemplation or depiction; the state of being mortal.

Synonyms

death rate, fatality rate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mortality

Use this term when talking about the concept of death, often in a broader philosophical or scientific context. It refers to the state of being mortal and susceptible to death.

  • The novel explores the theme of mortality and the human desire for immortality.
  • Scientists are studying the factors that influence mortality in different species.
death rate

This phrase is commonly used in statistical or demographic contexts to describe the number of deaths in a specific population over a period of time, usually per 1,000 or 100,000 individuals.

  • The death rate in the region has decreased significantly over the past decade.
  • Public health initiatives aim to lower the death rate from preventable diseases.
fatality rate

Typically employed in medical, safety, or disaster-related contexts, it describes the proportion of deaths out of the total number of cases or incidents. Often used to assess the deadliness of diseases or accidents.

  • The fatality rate of the new virus has alarmed public health officials.
  • Improved safety measures have helped reduce the fatality rate in mining accidents.

Examples of usage

  • High mortality rates are often associated with poverty and lack of access to healthcare.
  • Mortality is a common theme in art and literature, representing the impermanence of life.
Context #2 | Noun

cause of

The quality or state of being mortal; susceptibility to death.

Synonyms

mortal nature, mortality rate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mortality

Used frequently in discussions about death, the inevitability of death, or in philosophical contexts. Also common in medical, demographic, or statistical discussions about death rates.

  • Philosophers often reflect on human mortality.
  • The invention significantly reduced infant mortality.
mortal nature

Typically used in discussions emphasizing the human condition and our inherent vulnerability to death.

  • Our mortal nature reminds us of our limits.
  • The tale is a reminder of man's mortal nature.
mortality rate

Primarily used in medical, public health, or demographic discussions to describe the frequency of deaths in a specific population, typically within a specific timeframe.

  • The mortality rate for heart disease has been declining.
  • High pollution levels can increase the mortality rate.

Examples of usage

  • The mortality of humans is a fundamental aspect of our existence.
  • The mortality of all living beings is a universal truth.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'mortalitas', which means 'the quality of being mortal' or 'the state of being subject to death'.
  • It has roots in 'mors', the Latin word for 'death', reflecting the word's focus on life and its end.

Philosophy

  • Many philosophical discussions focus on mortality, exploring the meaning of life and what it means to accept death.
  • Existentialist thinkers argue that acknowledging mortality can lead to a more meaningful life, encouraging individuals to make the most of their time.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have varied beliefs about what happens after death, influencing how they view mortality.
  • In some cultures, festivals like Día de los Muertos celebrate and honor the dead, reflecting a unique take on mortality.

Science

  • In public health, mortality rates are crucial for understanding the health status of populations, often guiding policies and interventions.
  • With advancements in medicine, many diseases that were once fatal have seen significant reductions in mortality rates.

Literature

  • Mortality is a common theme in literature, with authors like Shakespeare, Tolstoy, and Hemingway examining death in their works.
  • Many poems and stories explore the fleeting nature of life, prompting readers to reflect on their own existence and values.

Translations

Translations of the word "mortality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mortalidade

🇮🇳 मृत्यु दर

🇩🇪 Sterblichkeit

🇮🇩 mortalitas

🇺🇦 смертність

🇵🇱 śmiertelność

🇯🇵 死亡率

🇫🇷 mortalité

🇪🇸 mortalidad

🇹🇷 ölüm oranı

🇰🇷 사망률

🇸🇦 معدل الوفيات

🇨🇿 úmrtnost

🇸🇰 úmrtnosť

🇨🇳 死亡率

🇸🇮 umrljivost

🇮🇸 dánartíðni

🇰🇿 өлім-жітім

🇬🇪 მოკვდაობა

🇦🇿 ölüm

🇲🇽 mortalidad

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,216, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.