soul
/səʊl/- 1.
The soul is the spiritual part of a person, thought to live after the body dies. In many religions, it is the inner self or spirit.
- She prayed for peace for his soul.
- Many people believe the soul lives on.
- The story speaks about the soul after death.
- 2.
Your soul is the deepest part of your mind and feelings. It can mean your true self, your inner life, or the part of you that feels deeply.
- Music often touches my soul.
- He put his soul into the project.
- She felt it in her soul.
- 3.
A soul is a person, especially when speaking about emotions, character, or sympathy. It is often used in phrases about someone being kind, lonely, or in trouble.
- She's a good soul.
- There wasn't a soul in the room.
- That poor soul needs help.
Adinary Nuance
Soul is deeper and more spiritual than mind, heart, or personality. Use mind for thinking, heart for feelings, and soul for a deeper inner self or spiritual meaning. In everyday speech, soul can sound more emotional or serious than those near-neighbors.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- linh hồn
- Spanish
- alma
- Chinese
- 灵魂
- Japanese
- 魂
- Korean
- 영혼
Etymology
Old English sāwol, from Germanic roots. It has been used in English for a very long time, with both religious and emotional meanings.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between soul and mind?
- Mind is about thinking and reasoning. Soul is about the deepest inner self or spiritual part.
- Is soul a formal word?
- It can be formal in religious or philosophical writing. In everyday speech, it is also common in emotional phrases.
- Can I say 'a soul' for one person?
- Yes, but usually in phrases like 'a good soul' or 'not a soul'. It often shows feeling or sympathy.
- What does 'the soul of the matter' mean?
- It means the most important part of something. It is a common set phrase.