immortal
/ɪˈmɔːtl/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈmɔːrtl/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)i-ˈmȯr-tᵊl/ (ame, mw) · /ɪˈmɔː.təl/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈmɔːr.t̬əl/ (ame, ipa)
immortal — adjective
- immortalpositive
- more immortalcomparative
- most immortalsuperlative
1. describing a living thing that never dies and continues to exist for all time
describing a living thing that never dies and continues to exist for all time
The tiny jellyfish Turritopsis can live forever, making it biologically immortal.
noun subject + be + biologically immortal
In ancient Greek stories, the gods were immortal and never grew old.
Many ancient Egyptians believed the pharaoh had an immortal soul that travelled to the afterlife.
Some cancer cells are practically immortal because they keep dividing without dying.
- undying
more emotional and metaphorical; often used for love, devotion, or gratitude rather than literal life
- everlasting
emphasises continuous duration without stopping; broader than just avoiding death
- eternal
describes something without beginning or end, not simply without death
- mortal
the direct opposite; subject to death
- perishable
describes things that decay or spoil, rather than beings that die
文法句型
be + immortal
immortal + noun
用法筆記
Frequently used in mythology, biology, and theology. In cell biology, 'immortal' refers to cells that can divide indefinitely rather than dying after a set number of divisions.
常見錯誤
2. describing someone or something so remarkable or celebrated that their name, wor
describing someone or something so remarkable or celebrated that their name, work, or influence lasts for a very long time
Shakespeare's plays earned him an immortal place in the world of literature.
collocation: immortal place in [field]
That single photograph of the soldier became an immortal image of the war.
Dr. Amara Osei's speech at the ceremony included the immortal line, 'We shall not forget.'
The theory of relativity secured Einstein an immortal reputation in science.
Some films achieve immortal status because they speak to audiences across generations.
文法句型
be + immortal
immortal + noun
用法筆記
Subject is typically a person's achievement, work, or contribution rather than the person directly. 'Immortal fame' and 'immortal words' are common fixed collocations.
常見錯誤
immortal — noun
- immortalsingular
- immortalsplural
1. a person who achieves such lasting fame that their name and accomplishments are
a person who achieves such lasting fame that their name and accomplishments are remembered long after their death
Mozart is widely regarded as one of the great immortals of classical music.
pattern: one of the immortals of [field]
The Baseball Hall of Fame honours the immortals of the sport each year.
Among the immortals of cinema, Akira Kurosawa is remembered for his powerful visual storytelling.
Young musicians today still study the works of the classical immortals who came before them.
文法句型
one of the immortals of [field]
the immortals of [field]
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural ('the immortals') to refer collectively to legendary figures within a domain. The singular form is rare and usually appears in set phrases like 'an immortal of jazz'.
常見錯誤
2. (often 'the immortals') the gods and goddesses of ancient Greek or Roman mytholo
(often 'the immortals') the gods and goddesses of ancient Greek or Roman mythology, who were believed to live forever and possess supernatural powers
In the Iliad, the immortals on Mount Olympus argue among themselves about the fate of Troy.
The ancient Greeks built temples and offered sacrifices to keep the immortals happy.
pattern: keep the immortals + adjective
Zeus, Athena, and Apollo were among the most powerful of the Greek immortals.
Poets in ancient times described the immortals as beautiful, powerful, and quick to anger.
- mortals
the direct antonym; human beings subject to death
文法句型
the immortals
the + adjective + immortals
用法筆記
Capitalised ('the Immortals') when referring specifically to the pantheon as a proper collective noun. This sense is almost never used in the singular — 'an immortal' in the singular typically belongs to the FAMOUS FIGURE sense.