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Soul Meaning: Spiritual Essence, Examples & Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：spiritual essence (soul)

soul 🔊

/səʊl/

Many believe it's the most inner, real part of a person, an unseen spirit or energy that gives life, holds your personality, memories, and feelings, and might live on after the body dies.

spiritual essence 🔊

➕

/ˈspɪrɪtʃuəl ˈɛsəns/

Refers to the immaterial, eternal aspect of a human being, often considered the true self that transcends the physical body.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Old English 'sawol', from Proto-Germanic *saiwalō, meaning 'spiritual essence'.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine your 'sole' (only) inner light shining - that's your soul.

📖 Example

She believed her soul was connected to the vast universe, giving her a sense of peace. 🔊 She believed her soul was connected to the vast universe, giving her a sense of peace.

🔗 Collocations

soul searching – deep introspection about one's true feelings

soul mate – a person ideally suited to another as a partner or friend

soul food – traditional African American cuisine, often hearty and flavorful

🔄 Synonyms

spirit (n.) – the nonphysical part of a person, often seen as the seat of emotions and character

psyche (n.) – the human soul, mind, or spirit

essence (n.) – the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something

🚫 Antonyms

body (n.) – the physical structure of a person or animal

flesh (n.) – the soft substance of the body, often contrasted with spirit

🌱 Derivatives

soulful (adj.) – expressing deep feeling or emotion

soulless (adj.) – lacking character, individuality, or spiritual depth

soulfully (adv.) – in a manner full of emotion or spirit

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'soul' originates from Old English 'sawol', linked to the concept of an eternal, immortal essence found in many cultures and religions.

Meaning 2：defining essence (soul)

soul 🔊

/səʊl/

The most central, real, and important part of something that makes it unique and meaningful. For example, the 'soul' of a song is its emotional heart.

defining essence 🔊

➕

/dɪˈfaɪnɪŋ ˈɛsəns/

The most crucial and characteristic element that gives something its unique identity and emotional depth.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The old guitar, with its scratches and worn wood, had the soul of blues music within it. 🔊 The old guitar, with its scratches and worn wood, had the soul of blues music within it.

🔗 Collocations

the soul of the matter – the most important or essential aspect of an issue

the soul of a city – the distinctive character and spirit that defines a city

the soul of a song – the emotional core or deep meaning of a musical piece

🔄 Synonyms

heart (n.) – the central or most important part of something

core (n.) – the fundamental and most essential part