Which of the following words means capable of dying?

• A. Immortal
• B. Vital
• C. Mortal
• D. Deathless

Answer: (C)

This question tests how we use words to talk about life and death. Mortal means capable of dying; it comes from the idea that living beings can die, so we use it for humans and other beings that are not eternal. Immortal and deathless describe something that cannot die, the opposite of mortal. Vital, while it relates to life and being alive or essential for life, doesn’t by itself express the idea of being able to die. So the word that means capable of dying is mortal. For example, “All mortals eventually face death,” contrasts with beings often called immortal.