life-course
UK[ˈlaɪf kɔːs]US[ˈlaɪf kɔːrs]
n
The sequence of major events, stages, or experiences that make up a person's life from birth to death.
n
(Sociology) The progression of an individual through age-related phases and social roles within a specific historical and cultural context.
Morpheme Breakdown
life
course
life
state of being alive
course
path or progression
Etymology
The compound noun 'life-course' is a modern sociological term formed by combining two ancient and foundational English words. 'Life', with its Old English and Proto-Germanic roots denoting the state of living existence, is paired with 'course', which traces back to the Latin 'currere' (to run), evoking the image of a path or journey. This combination metaphorically frames a human lifespan not as a static condition but as a directional progression along a temporal track. The term logically synthesizes the concept of biological existence ('life') with the concept of a sequenced, forward-moving trajectory ('course'), creating an abstract model for analyzing personal and social development over time.
Analysis
Structure: life (state of being alive) + course (path or progression)
life: From Old English 'līf', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'lijf' and German 'Leib'. The core sense is 'the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter'.
course: From Old French 'cours', from Latin 'cursus' (a running, race, journey), from the verb 'currere' (to run). The sense evolved to mean 'a path or direction followed'.
Examples
Sociologists study how economic conditions can shape an individual's life-course.
The transition from education to employment is a key milestone in the modern life-course.
Her research focuses on the life-course effects of childhood nutrition.