Human vs. Mortal — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
Human refers to a member of the species Homo sapiens, characterized by advanced cognitive abilities, while mortal implies susceptibility to death, a trait shared by all living organisms.
Difference Between Human and Mortal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Humans are classified biologically as Homo sapiens, a species noted for its advanced brain capacity and ability to create complex social structures. On the other hand, the term mortal refers to the inherent condition of all living organisms that they must eventually die. This includes humans, but also animals, plants, and microscopic life forms.
While all humans are mortals, being susceptible to death and the aging process, not all mortals are humans. For example, animals and plants are also mortals but do not possess the same cognitive abilities or societal complexities as humans.
Human societies are characterized by their cultures, languages, and technological innovations, which continuously evolve over time. Whereas, the concept of being mortal mainly concerns the biological and existential aspects of life, emphasizing the finite nature of existence across all species.
Humans often explore philosophical, ethical, and existential questions about life and mortality, reflecting their complex cognitive abilities to engage with abstract concepts. In contrast, mortality itself is a universal and straightforward fact, impacting every living being without the cognitive capacity to ponder it.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A member of Homo sapiens, known for complex brain functions
Any living being that is capable of dying
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Cognitive Abilities
High cognitive abilities, including abstract thinking
Does not imply any specific cognitive abilities
Scope
Refers specifically to one species
Applies to all living organisms
Cultural Associations
Associated with culture, technology, society
Mainly associated with life’s finite nature
Philosophical Concerns
Engages in deep philosophical and existential discussions
Simply pertains to the fact of being able to die
Compare with Definitions
Human
A member of the species Homo sapiens.
Humans are capable of complex language and abstract reasoning.
Mortal
Pertaining to life subject to death.
Mortal existence is often a central theme in literature.
Human
Relating to or characteristic of people.
The human population on Earth is diverse in cultures and languages.
Mortal
Extremely severe or urgent.
They were in mortal danger during the expedition.
Human
Having qualities befitting human beings.
Forgiveness is often considered a human virtue.
Mortal
Of human affairs or people.
In his anger, he felt a mortal dislike toward the other party.
Human
Pertaining to characteristics of mankind.
Human emotions can be complex and varied.
Mortal
Susceptible to death.
All mortal beings must eventually face the end of life.
Human
Involving human beings.
Human activities have a significant impact on the environment.
Mortal
Causing or having caused death; deadly.
A mortal wound ensures that recovery is impossible.
Human
Humans (Homo sapiens) are the most abundant and widespread species of primates, characterized by bipedality and large, complex brains enabling the development of advanced tools, culture and language. Humans are highly social beings and tend to live in complex social structures composed of many cooperating and competing groups, from families and kinship networks to political states.
Mortal
Liable or subject to death; not immortal
Mortal beings.
Human
Relating to or characteristic of humankind
The human body
The complex nature of the human mind
Mortal
Of or relating to humans as being subject to death
"When we have shuffled off this mortal coil" (Shakespeare).
Human
A human being.
Mortal
Causing death; fatal
A mortal wound.
Human
A member of the primate genus Homo, especially a member of the species Homo sapiens, distinguished from other apes by a large brain and the capacity for speech.
Mortal
Fought to the death
Mortal combat.
Human
A person
The extraordinary humans who explored Antarctica.
Mortal
Relentlessly hostile; implacable
A mortal enemy.
Human
Of, relating to, or characteristic of humans
The course of human events.
The human race.
Mortal
Of great intensity or severity; dire
Mortal terror.
Human
Having or showing those positive aspects of nature and character regarded as distinguishing humans from other animals
An act of human kindness.
Mortal
Conceivable; imaginable
No mortal reason for us to go.
Human
Subject to or indicative of the weaknesses, imperfections, and fragility associated with humans
A mistake that shows he's only human.
Human frailty.
Mortal
Used as an intensive
A mortal fool.
Human
Having the form of a human.
Mortal
A human.
Human
Made up of humans
Formed a human bridge across the ice.
Mortal
Susceptible to death by aging, sickness, injury, or wound; not immortal.
Human
(notcomp) Of or belonging to the species Homo sapiens or its closest relatives.
Mortal
Causing death; deadly, fatal, killing, lethal (now only of wounds, injuries etc.).
Human
(comparable) Having the nature or attributes of a human being.
To err is human; to forgive, divine.
Mortal
By death.
Human
(narrowly) The tallest, most abundant and most intelligent of primates; Homo sapiens.
Humans share common ancestors with other apes.
Mortal
Vulnerable.
Human
(broadly) Any hominid of the genus Homo.
Mortal
Of or relating to the time of death.
Human
(rare) To behave as or become, or to cause to behave as or become, a human.
Mortal
As if with power to kill; deathly.
Mortal enemy
Human
Belonging to man or mankind; having the qualities or attributes of a man; of or pertaining to man or to the race of man; as, a human voice; human shape; human nature; human sacrifices.
To err is human; to forgive, divine.
Mortal
; belonging or pertaining to people who are mortal.
Mortal wit or knowledge; mortal power
Human
A human being.
Sprung of humans that inhabit earth.
We humans often find ourselves in strange position.
Mortal
Very painful or tedious; wearisome.
A sermon lasting two mortal hours
Human
A human being;
There was too much for one person to do
Mortal
Very drunk.
Human
Any living or extinct member of the family Hominidae
Mortal
(religion) Of a sin: involving the penalty of spiritual death, rather than merely venial.
Human
Characteristic of humanity;
Human nature
Mortal
A human; someone susceptible to death.
Her wisdom was beyond that of a mere mortal.
Human
Relating to a person;
The experiment was conducted on 6 monkeys and 2 human subjects
Mortal
(colloquial) Mortally; enough to cause death.
It's mortal cold out there.
Human
Having human form or attributes as opposed to those of animals or divine beings;
Human beings
The human body
Human kindness
Human frailty
Mortal
Subject to death; destined to die; as, man is mortal.
Mortal
Destructive to life; causing or occasioning death; terminating life; exposing to or deserving death; deadly; as, a mortal wound; a mortal sin.
Mortal
Fatally vulnerable; vital.
Last of all, against himself he turns his sword, but missing the mortal place, with his poniard finishes the work.
Mortal
Of or pertaining to the time of death.
Safe in the hand of one disposing Power,Or in the natal or the mortal hour.
Mortal
Affecting as if with power to kill; deathly.
The nymph grew pale, and in a mortal fright.
Mortal
Human; belonging to man, who is mortal; as, mortal wit or knowledge; mortal power.
The voice of GodTo mortal ear is dreadful.
Mortal
Very painful or tedious; wearisome; as, a sermon lasting two mortal hours.
Mortal
A being subject to death; a human being; man.
Mortal
A human being;
There was too much for one person to do
Mortal
Subject to death;
Mortal beings
Mortal
Involving loss of divine grace or spiritual death;
The seven deadly sins
Mortal
Unrelenting and deadly;
Mortal enemy
Mortal
Causing or capable of causing death;
A fatal accident
A deadly enemy
Mortal combat
A mortal illness
Common Curiosities
What defines a human?
A human is defined as a being belonging to the species Homo sapiens, characterized by advanced cognitive abilities and complex societies.
Are all humans mortal?
Yes, all humans are mortal, meaning they have a finite lifespan and will eventually die.
What does it mean to be mortal?
Being mortal means being susceptible to death, a condition that applies to all living organisms.
Can a mortal be something other than a human?
Yes, the term mortal can refer to any living organism, including animals and plants, not just humans.
How do humans differ from other mortals?
Humans differ from other mortals primarily in their advanced cognitive abilities and complex social structures.
What role does mortality play in human cultures?
Mortality often shapes human cultures through practices surrounding death, legacy, and remembrance.
Why is mortality important to humans?
Mortality is a fundamental aspect of human existence, influencing philosophies, religions, and personal values.
How do humans cope with the concept of mortality?
Humans cope with mortality through various means, including religious beliefs, philosophical contemplation, and creating legacies.
Do humans share any characteristics with other mortals?
Yes, like all mortals, humans share the characteristic of being susceptible to death.
How do humans express their understanding of mortality?
Humans express their understanding of mortality through art, literature, religious practices, and discussions about the meaning of life.
Is the concept of mortality unique to humans?
While the concept of mortality is not unique to humans, the capacity to understand and philosophize about it is more developed in humans than in other species.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
