immortal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "immortal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that cannot die or is thought to live forever. For example, "The gods of ancient mythology were said to be immortal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Achebe had become the words he had created, a disembodied presence, an immortal.

The Guardian - Books

It quickly becomes a generalised overview of dating apps and sites, and those on them, such as Chris, who has asked out more than 15,000 women, and single-mum Joanna, who treats her date to the immortal line: "I've been a slag.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Once upon a time, not very long ago, the SDLP could have, in the immortal words of Marlon Brando, still been a contender.

The Guardian

It also attributed an immortal quote to a scientist from the Pentagon's defense nuclear agency: "Please, God, don't let us have killed John Wayne".

The Guardian - Film

David Prowse is the main man, but there's also a certain music minor celebrity who comes out with the immortal phrase: "You must be out of your tiny minds …" If you've been brave you might have won the Victoria Cross.

The Guardian - Music

Calling to mind (although not exclusively modelled on) Luchino Visconti's 1963 Italian classic The Leopard, with a dash of Barbara Stanwyck's immortal Stella Dallas for good measure, this is a powerful and stylish dynastic melodrama that works on many levels.

The Guardian - Film

In Argyll and Bute Alan Reid puts out press releases about the Campbelltown ferry and Dunoon pier, though it was his counterpart at Holyrood who issued the immortal "Introduction of beavers a waste of public money".

The Guardian

Pelé repeated those immortal words in The Pelé Albums.

The Guardian - Sport

It must be the second best thing to being immortal.

The Economist

And besides, boredom seems to be a non-problem: after all, if an immortal does ever get truly bored of his vastly extended life, there would be nothing to prevent him from ending it.

The Economist

There are, of course, another couple of realities: King Bhumibol, revered by all Thais, turns 84 this month and is not immortal; and his heir, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, is an unpopular playboy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "immortal" to describe a person or entity, ensure that the context clearly conveys the intended meaning, whether it's literal everlasting life or a lasting legacy.

Common error

Avoid using "immortal" hyperbolically to describe things that are merely long-lasting or very successful. Reserve it for situations where the concept of timelessness or an unending existence is genuinely implied.

Linguistic Context

The word "immortal" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something or someone that is not subject to death or decay. It can also function as a noun, referring to someone who possesses immortality. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "immortal" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something that is not subject to death. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in English. Examples extracted by Ludwig show it frequently appears in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While grammatically correct and boasting a neutral tone, its use often carries a more descriptive, thoughtful intention. Be mindful of overusing the term, as it is best applied when genuinely indicating timelessness, a lasting legacy, or unending existence. Synonyms include "eternal", "everlasting", and "deathless".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everlasting

Focuses on the unending duration of something, similar to "immortal" in its reference to time.

eternal

Highlights the timeless and infinite nature, closely related to the concept of "immortal".

deathless

Directly implies the absence of death, synonymous with one aspect of "immortal".

ageless

Emphasizes the lack of aging, a characteristic often associated with being "immortal".

undying

Stresses the inability to die, mirroring the core meaning of "immortal".

imperishable

Conveys the idea of something that cannot be destroyed, linking to the lasting nature of "immortal".

lasting

Suggests endurance and permanence, reflecting the enduring quality of something "immortal".

enduring

Emphasizes the ability to withstand the test of time, similar to the resilience implied by "immortal".

legendary

Focuses on the creation of a lasting legacy, indicating historical relevance even without physical immortality.

memorable

Highlights something worthy of being remembered, representing a form of symbolic "immortal" through remembrance.

FAQs

How can I use "immortal" in a sentence?

You can use "immortal" to describe beings or entities that live forever, such as "The ancient Greeks believed their gods were "immortal"". It can also describe something that creates a lasting legacy.

What are some synonyms for "immortal"?

Some synonyms for "immortal" include "eternal", "everlasting", "deathless", and "undying". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone's memory is "immortal"?

Yes, you can say someone's memory is "immortal" to suggest that they will be remembered forever. It's a figurative way of speaking about their lasting impact or legacy.

What's the difference between "immortal" and "eternal"?

"Immortal" specifically means not subject to death, whereas "eternal" means lasting or existing forever. Something can be eternal without being alive, but being "immortal" implies some form of life that continues indefinitely.