soul
UK[səʊl]US[soʊl]
n
The spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal.
n
The essence or embodiment of a specified quality.
n
Emotional or intellectual energy or intensity, especially as revealed in a work of art or an artistic performance.
Etymology
The word 'soul' originates from the Proto-Germanic 'saiwalō', a term of uncertain deeper origin, though it may be connected to ideas of coming from or belonging to the sea, reflecting ancient cosmological beliefs. It passed into Old English as 'sāwol', carrying the core meaning of the spiritual or life principle of a person. This concept was central to Germanic pagan understanding and was seamlessly adopted into the Christian worldview to denote the immortal spiritual essence. Over centuries, its meaning expanded metaphorically to signify the vital, animating, or essential quality of anything, from a person to a piece of music.
Analysis
The word is a simplex. It is a loanword from Old English 'sāwol', 'sāwel', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'ziel' and German 'Seele'.
Examples
Many religions believe the soul continues to exist after the body dies.
He is the soul of discretion in handling confidential matters.
The singer poured her soul into that breathtaking performance.