vital
/ˈvaɪtəl/
adjective
Origin
Latin
vitalis — of or belonging to life
Overview
Meaning Now
- Necessary for the continuation or success of something; absolutely essential.
- Full of energy; lively or animated.
- Relating to, or concerned with, the continuation of life.
Literal older meaning
pertaining to life
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
vital
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word stems from the Latin 'vita' (life), which is associated with the Indo-European root meaning 'to live'. Historically, it was used in medical contexts to describe 'vital spirits', which were thought to animate the body.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*gʷī-
“to live”
- Latin
vita
“life”
- Latin
vitalis
“of or belonging to life”
- Old French
vital
“essential to life”
- Middle English
vital
“essential to life”
Connections
Word parts
vit-
root
life
-al
suffix
pertaining to
Explore next
Related to vital
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.