Your soul is the part of you that consists of your mind, character, thoughts, and feelings. Many people believe that your soul continues existing after your body is dead.
She went to pray for the soul of her late husband.
'I will put my heart and soul into the job,' he promises.
2. singular noun [with poss]
The soul of a nation or a political movement is its basic nature and beliefs.
...a struggle for the soul of the Republican Party.
3. countable noun [adjective NOUN]
You can refer to someone as a particular kind of soul when you are describing their character or condition.
He's a jolly soul.
4. singular noun
You use soul in negative statements like not a soul to mean nobody at all.
I've never harmed a soul in my life.
There was not a soul there.
5. uncountable noun
Soul or soul music is a type of pop music performed mainly by black American musicians. It developed from gospel and blues music and often expresses deep emotions.
He is regarded by critics as the greatest soul singer of his generation.
6. plural noun [num NOUN]
You can refer to the number of people who live in a particular place as souls.
[literary]
...a tiny village of only 100 souls.
Synonyms: person, being, human, individual More Synonyms of soul
7.
See sell one's soul
8. to bare one's soul
9. body and soul
10. to keep body and soul together
11. the life and soul of the party
More Synonyms of soul
soul in British English
(səʊl)
noun
1.
the spirit or immaterial part of human beings, the seat of human personality, intellect, will, and emotions, regarded as an entity that survives the body after death
▶ Related adjective: pneumatic
2. Christianity
the spiritual part of a person, capable of redemption from the power of sin through divine grace
3.
the essential part or fundamental nature of anything
4.
a person's feelings or moral nature as distinct from other faculties
5.
a. Also called: soul music
a type of Black music resulting from the addition of jazz, gospel, and pop elements to the urban blues style
b.
(as modifier)
a soul singer
6. (modifier)
of or relating to Black Americans and their culture
soul brother
soul food
7.
nobility of spirit or temperament
a man of great soul and courage
8.
an inspiring spirit or leading figure, as of a cause or movement
9.
a person regarded as typifying some characteristic or quality
the soul of discretion
10.
a person; individual
an honest soul
11. the life and soul
12. upon my soul!
Derived forms
soul-like (ˈsoul-ˌlike)
adjective
Word origin
Old English sāwol; related to Old Frisian sēle, Old Saxon sēola, Old High German sēula soul
Soul in British English
(səʊl)
noun
Christian Science another word for God
soul in American English
(soʊl)
noun
1.
an entity which is regarded as being the immortal or spiritual part of the person and which, though having no physical or material reality, is credited with the functions of thinking and willing, and hence determining all behavior
2.
the moral or emotional nature of a human being
3.
spiritual or emotional warmth, force, etc., or evidence of this
a cold painting, without soul
4.
vital or essential part, quality, or principle
“brevity is the soul of wit”
5.
the person who leads or dominates; central figure
Daniel Boone, soul of the frontier
6.
embodiment; personification
the very soul of kindness
7.
a person
a town of 1,000 souls
8.
the spirit of a dead person, thought of as separate from the body and leading an existence of its own
9. US
a.
the deep spiritual and emotional quality of black American culture and heritage
b.
strong expression of this quality in a musical performance
c.
a form of rhythm and blues characterized by a more deliberate beat, emotionally intense vocals, and elements of U.S. gospel music
adjective US
10.
of, for, like, or characteristic of U.S. blacks
Idioms:
upon my soul!
Word origin
ME soule < OE sawol, akin to Ger seele, Goth saiwala < Gmc *saiwalo, lit., ? that belonging to the sea (< *saiwa- > sea): from the early Gmc belief that souls originate in and return to the sea
More idioms containing
soul
the life and soul of the party
keep body and soul together
body and soul
bare your soul to someone
sell your soul for something
COBUILD Collocations
soul
human soul
poor soul
troubled soul
Examples of 'soul' in a sentence
soul
I hear Lord Jenga has already had an approach from some enterprising soul who wants to build a tavern here.
Jennifer Fallon TREASON KEEP (2001)
He'd taken to muttering to himself as he shuffled around the house like a soul in limbo.
Mark Mills AMAGANSETT (2001)
Well, old soul, good muscle definition - call it what you will.
Jenny Colgan LOOKING FOR ANDREW MCCARTHY (2001)
Not a soul depended on her except maybe her office personnel, who would find other jobs in a blink.
Lisa Scottoline ROUGH JUSTICE (2001)
In other languages
soul
British English: soul /səʊl/ NOUN
A person's soul is the spiritual part of them which some people believe continues existing after their body is dead.
They believe that their souls will always be together.
American English: soul
Arabic: نَفْس
Brazilian Portuguese: alma
Chinese: 灵魂
Croatian: duša
Czech: duše
Danish: sjæl
Dutch: ziel
European Spanish: alma
Finnish: sielu
French: âme
German: Seele
Greek: ψυχή
Italian: anima
Japanese: 魂
Korean: 영혼
Norwegian: sjel
Polish: dusza
European Portuguese: alma
Romanian: suflet
Russian: душа
Latin American Spanish: alma
Swedish: själ
Thai: วิญญาณ
Turkish: ruh
Ukrainian: душа
Vietnamese: linh hồn
All related terms of 'soul'
nu soul
a style of popular music combining traditional soul music with elements from other genres
lost soul
If you call someone a lost soul , you mean that they seem unhappy , and unable to fit in with any particular group of people in society .
poor soul
You can refer to someone as a particular kind of soul when you are describing their character or condition.
soul cake
a round, sweet bun or small, oval cake , traditionally made to celebrate All Souls ' Day
soul food
Soul food is used to refer to the kind of food, for example corn bread , ham , and greens , that was popular with black Americans in the southern United States and is considered typical of them.
soul kiss
→ French kiss
soul mate
A soul mate is someone with whom you share a close friendship and deep personal understanding .
human soul
Your soul is the part of you that consists of your mind , character, thoughts, and feelings . Many people believe that your soul continues existing after your body is dead .
soul-baring
confessing intimate thoughts
soul music
Soul music or soul is a type of pop music performed mainly by black American musicians . It developed from gospel and blues music and often expresses deep emotions .
soul patch
a small patch of facial hair below the centre of the lower lip and above the chin
world soul
a universal animating principle conceived of as analogous to the soul of a person
soul-stirring
arousing excitement and enthusiasm; uplifting
troubled soul
You can refer to someone as a particular kind of soul when you are describing their character or condition.
soul-destroying
Activities or situations that are soul-destroying make you depressed , because they are boring or because there is no hope of improvement .
soul-searching
Soul-searching is a long and careful examination of your thoughts and feelings, especially when you are trying to make a difficult moral decision or thinking about something that has gone wrong .
Universal Soul
Brahman in its aspect as the sacred syllable Om , the eternal and spiritual principle that permeates the universe
blue-eyed soul
soul music written and performed by White singers in a style derived from the blues
body and soul
You use body and soul to mean every part of you, including your mind and your emotions .
heart and soul
If you put your heart and soul into something, you do it with a great deal of enthusiasm and energy .
upon my soul!
an exclamation of surprise
neosoul
a style of popular music combining traditional soul music with elements from other genres
sell one's soul
If you talk about someone selling their soul in order to get something, you are criticizing them for abandoning their principles .
soulmate
a person for whom one has a deep affinity , esp a lover , wife , husband , etc
the life and soul
a person regarded as the main source of merriment and liveliness
to bare one's soul
If you bare your soul , you tell someone your most secret thoughts and feelings.
bare your soul to someone
to tell someone all the thoughts and feelings that are most important to you
keep body and soul together
to earn enough money to buy the basic things that you need to live
sell your soul for something
to do whatever you need to in order to get what you want , even if it involves abandoning your principles or doing something you consider wrong
bless me!
an exclamation of surprise
sell your soul to the devil
If you say that someone has sold their soul to the devil , you mean that you disapprove of them because they have done something that you think is not right in order to get what they want .
the life and soul of the party the life and soul
If you refer to someone as the life and soul of the party , you mean that they are very lively and entertaining on social occasions , and are good at mixing with people. In American English, you usually say that they are the life of the party .
to keep body and soul together hold body and soul together
If you keep body and soul together , you have enough money to provide what you need to live .
Chinese translation of 'soul'
soul
(səul)
n
(c) (Rel) 灵(靈)魂 (línghún)
(s) (fig) 精力 (jīnglì)
(c) (= person) 人 (rén)
(u) (Mus) 爵士灵(靈)歌 (juéshì línggē)
I didn't see a soul我一个(個)人都没(沒)看见(見) (wǒ yī gè rén dōu méi kànjiàn)
poor soul可怜(憐)的人 (kělián de rén)
1 (noun)
Definition
the spiritual part of a person, regarded as the centre of personality, intellect, will, and emotions: believed by many to survive the body after death
Such memories stirred in his soul.
Synonyms
spirit
The human spirit is virtually indestructible.
essence
Some claim that Ireland's very essence is expressed through its language.
psyche
Knowledge of the human psyche has advanced immeasurably since Freud.
life
He sucks the life out of the room.
mind
an excellent training for the young mind
reason
a conflict between emotion and reason
intellect
Do the emotions develop in parallel with the intellect?
vital force
animating principle
wairua (New Zealand)
2 (noun)
Definition
a person regarded as a good example of some quality
With such celebrated clients, she necessarily remains the soul of discretion.
Synonyms
embodiment
A baby is the embodiment of vulnerability.
essence
incarnation
She is a perfect incarnation of courage.
epitome
The countess was the epitome of sophistication.
personification
Janis Joplin was the personification of the '60s female rock singer.
quintessence
He was the quintessence of all Eva most deeply loathed.
type
3 (noun)
Definition
a person
a tiny village of only 100 souls
Synonyms
person
Sam's the only person who can do the job.
being
beings from outer space
human
The drug has not yet been tested on humans.
individual
the rights and responsibilities of the individual
body
creature
He is one of the most amiable creatures in existence.
mortal
impossible needs for any mere mortal to meet
man or woman
4 (noun)
an ice goddess without soul
Synonyms
feeling
I never lost my feeling for you.
force
slamming the door behind her with all her force
energy
At 65 years old, her energy is wonderful.
vitality
He fell in love with her for her vitality and sense of fun.
animation
They both spoke with animation.
fervour
an outbreak of religious fervour
ardour
Their romantic ardour had cooled.
vivacity
She danced past, bubbling with vivacity.
related words
related adjectivepneumatic
Additional synonyms
in the sense of animation
Definition
liveliness and enthusiasm
They both spoke with animation.
Synonyms
liveliness,
life,
action,
activity,
energy,
spirit,
passion,
enthusiasm,
excitement,
pep,
sparkle,
vitality,
vigour,
zeal,
verve,
zest,
fervour,
high spirits,
dynamism,
buoyancy,
elation,
exhilaration,
welly (slang),
gaiety,
ardour (old-fashioned),
vibrancy,
brio,
zing (informal),
vivacity,
ebullience,
briskness,
airiness,
sprightliness,
pizzazz or pizazz (informal)
in the sense of ardour
Definition
emotional warmth
Their romantic ardour had cooled.
Synonyms
passion,
feeling,
fire,
heat,
spirit,
intensity,
warmth,
devotion,
fervour,
vehemence,
fierceness
in the sense of being
Definition
a human being
beings from outer space
Synonyms
individual,
thing,
body (informal),
animal,
creature,
human being,
beast,
mortal,
living thing
Synonyms of 'soul'
soul
Explore 'soul' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of creature
Definition
a person
He is one of the most amiable creatures in existence.
Synonyms
person,
man,
woman,
individual,
character (informal),
fellow (old-fashioned),
soul,
human being,
mortal,
body (informal),
wight (archaic)
in the sense of energy
Definition
intensity or vitality of action or expression
At 65 years old, her energy is wonderful.
Synonyms
liveliness,
life,
drive,
fire,
spirit,
determination,
pep,
go (informal),
zip (informal),
vitality,
animation,
vigour,
verve,
zest,
resilience,
welly (slang),
get-up-and-go (informal),
élan,
brio,
vivacity,
vim,
zeal
in the sense of epitome
Definition
a person or thing that is a typical example of a characteristic or class
The countess was the epitome of sophistication.
Synonyms
personification,
essence,
embodiment,
type,
representation,
norm,
archetype,
exemplar,
typical example,
quintessence
in the sense of essence
Definition
the most important and distinctive feature of something, which determines its identity
Some claim that Ireland's very essence is expressed through its language.
Synonyms
fundamental nature,
nature,
being,
life,
meaning,
heart,
spirit,
principle,
soul,
core,
substance,
significance,
entity,
bottom line,
essential part,
kernel,
crux,
lifeblood,
pith,
quintessence,
basic characteristic,
quiddity
in the sense of fervour
Definition
great intensity of feeling or belief
an outbreak of religious fervour
Synonyms
ardour,
passion,
enthusiasm,
excitement,
intensity,
warmth,
animation,
zeal,
eagerness,
vehemence,
earnestness,
fervency
in the sense of force
Definition
strength or power
slamming the door behind her with all her force
Synonyms
power,
might,
pressure,
energy,
stress,
strength,
impact,
muscle,
momentum,
impulse,
stimulus,
vigour,
potency,
dynamism,
welly (slang),
life
in the sense of human
Definition
a human being
The drug has not yet been tested on humans.
Synonyms
human being,
person,
individual,
body (informal),
creature,
mortal,
man or woman,
soul,
wight (archaic)
in the sense of incarnation
Definition
a person or thing that typifies some quality or idea
She is a perfect incarnation of courage.
Synonyms
embodiment,
manifestation,
epitome,
type,
impersonation,
personification,
avatar,
exemplification,
bodily form
in the sense of individual
Definition
a single person, esp. when regarded as distinct from others
the rights and responsibilities of the individual
Synonyms
person,
being,
human,
party (informal),
body (informal),
type,
unit,
character (informal),
soul,
creature,
human being,
mortal,
personage,
living soul
in the sense of intellect
Definition
the ability to understand, think, and reason
Do the emotions develop in parallel with the intellect?
Synonyms
intelligence,
mind,
reason,
understanding,
sense,
brains (informal),
judgment
Additional synonyms
in the sense of life
Definition
a source of strength, animation, or vitality
He sucks the life out of the room.
Synonyms
spirit,
heart,
soul,
essence,
core,
lifeblood,
moving spirit,
vital spark,
animating spirit,
élan vital
in the sense of mind
Definition
intelligence as opposed to feelings or wishes
an excellent training for the young mind
Synonyms
intelligence,
reason,
reasoning,
understanding,
sense,
spirit,
brain(s) (informal),
wits,
mentality,
intellect,
grey matter (informal),
ratiocination
in the sense of mortal
Definition
a human being
impossible needs for any mere mortal to meet
Synonyms
human being,
being,
man,
woman,
body (informal),
person,
human,
individual,
earthling
in the sense of personification
Janis Joplin was the personification of the '60s female rock singer.
Synonyms
embodiment,
image,
representation,
re-creation,
portrayal,
incarnation,
likeness,
semblance,
epitome
in the sense of psyche
Definition
the human mind or soul
Knowledge of the human psyche has advanced immeasurably since Freud.
Synonyms
soul,
mind,
self,
spirit,
personality,
individuality,
subconscious,
true being,
anima,
essential nature,
pneuma,
innermost self,
inner man or woman or person,
wairua (New Zealand)
in the sense of quintessence
Definition
the perfect representation of a quality or state
He was the quintessence of all Eva most deeply loathed.
Synonyms
epitome,
representation,
embodiment,
type,
essence,
archetype,
exemplar,
typical example,
personification
in the sense of reason
Definition
sanity
a conflict between emotion and reason
Synonyms
sense,
mind,
reasoning,
understanding,
brains,
judgment,
logic,
mentality,
intellect,
comprehension,
apprehension,
sanity,
rationality,
soundness,
sound mind,
ratiocination
in the sense of type
Synonyms
epitome,
example,
standard,
model,
original,
pattern,
essence,
norm,
specimen,
prototype,
paradigm,
archetype,
exemplar,
personification,
quintessence
in the sense of vitality
Definition
physical or mental energy
He fell in love with her for her vitality and sense of fun.