The Definition Of The Word 'Spirit' - Essay Example

The Definition Of The Word 'Spirit' The word ‘spirit’ is a homonym. Homonyms are words which are spelled and pronounced in the same way, but stand for different meanings (Hatch, 2010). To infer the meanings of homonyms, it is best to take into consideration, the context in which the word is being used. Being a homonym, the word ‘spirit’ is used to convey more than one meaning. Origin of the word, different meanings of it and uses of the word ‘spirit’ in English language are explained below. The term spirit is a translation of the Hebrew word ‘Ruah’, the literal meaning of which is breath, air or wind (Ratzinger, 1994). The American heritage dictionary (2009) defines spirit as ‘The vital principle or animating force within living beings’. Spirit is somewhat similar to but not the same as ‘soul’ considered departing the human body at the time of death. The term spirit took its present form during the middle stages of evolution in English language. The term was derived from the French word ‘espirit’, which in turn was derived from Latin word ‘spiritus’, meaning breathe (The American Heritage Dictionary, 2009). Spirit has no solid or physical form. The only form it takes is when it combines with matter, and that is the form of a living being. Consciousness cannot pertain to a spirit unless through the means of matter (Theosophy, 1966). In the metaphysical context, spirit is considered to be a form of energy, which is non-quantifiable and is present in all beings that are living. Life stems from spirit, without spirit, all matter is life less (Wikipedia, 2009). The word spirit may also sometimes refer to a supernatural existence, like a demon, angel or a fairy (The American Heritage Dictionary, 2009). The other meaning of the word spirit is that used in medicine and health. In general medicine, spirit is a volatile chemical that is used as a disinfectant for bruises and cuts. Methylated spirit, commonly known as ‘spirit’ is denatured alcohol. It is undrinkable and poisonous (Boggan, 2003). Chemically, Methylated spirit is also known as ethanol. It is medicinally used as an anti septic and disinfectant. It is also used for removal of fungus from skin. Spirit also has a lot of uses outside medicine. It is used as a cleaning agent in housekeeping, as fuel, for killing bugs, for maintenance of wicks and as a sanding aid (Boggan, 2003). Yet another sense in which the word is used is that of alcoholic beverages. Spirit is defined as any unsweetened, alcohol based, distilled beverage, which has at least 20% alcohol by volume in it (Alexis, 1987). There are many forms of liquors that fall under the umbrella of ‘spirit’. Spirits may include: wine, beer sake of whiskey. Spirits can be prepared based on different criteria. The preparation of a spirit may depend of serving size, volume of alcohol, strength or power of alcohol, flavor and flammability (Alexis, 1987). The use of the word spirit in the context of alcohol is therefore very common especially at places where alcohol is sold. For example on may use the word spirit as: ‘Do you sell spirits?’ or ‘I am not into spirits’ etc. Different philosophical and religious schools of thought have a different concept regarding ‘spirit’. In ancient Greek philosophy, a popular concept was that God sends guardian spirits for His people, to protect them from all evil. This idea later refined into the concept of guardian angels. Angels are defined as spirits that do not have any form and are made of energy. All spirits are believed to exist in the cosmos, at a plane different from ours. Most of the philosophers believe that spirit alone is formless. According to the Buddhist concept, where there is form, there is reason for suffering. So it is believed that when the body of man, the objective man is annihilated, the spirit is liberated and reaches bliss. The subjective life of man is spirit which cannot be corrupted and is immortal. The spirit does not die (Theosophy, 1966). According to the catholic encyclopedia (2009), the spirit is understood in the context of the Holy Triune. To every Christian, the holy triune consists of three components, the Holy Spirit, spirit of the father and the spirit of the son. The concept of holy spirit originated from the Hebrew bible and originally had a different meaning, but spirit in Christianity now refers to the Holy Spirit, which forms the third component of the Holy Trinity, consisting of God, Jesus and Holy Spirit. The words ‘soul’ and ‘spirit’ are sometimes used interchangeably. Though their meanings are similar to each other, there is a thin difference between the two terms. In mysticism, the term ‘spirit’ may refer to ‘existence in unity with Godhead’ (Wikipedia, 2009). The term ‘Soul’ is used to refer to life in combination with consciousness and the term also includes certain other mortal characteristics which can exist only in combination with matter- and objective form. However, the term ‘spirit’ is beyond objectivity (Wikipedia, 2009). ‘Spirit’ can continue to exist long after the body has died. In fact, the spirit is actually liberated only when the body dies, the objective being ends and the subjective being is liberated (Theosophy, 1966). For mental health clinicians, soul is the mind or psyche, while spirit is considered to be a quality of soul. Mental health is often attained via what is known as spiritual healing to psychologists (Berghash & Jillson, 1998). English is a rich language and use of different words as metaphors is common in it. The word ‘spirit’ is no exception. Metaphorically, the term ‘spirit’ may be used in different ways. It can be used to describe a collective ‘feel’. For example, to explain the feeling of belongingness and collective essence in an institution, we use the term ‘school spirit’. Another metaphorical meaning of the word ‘spirit’ refers to the world view of a person or a place. For example: ‘The Independence Act was written in the spirit of John Locke and his commitment to freedom’ (Wikipedia, 2009). Another metaphoric use of the word spirit is demonstrated below. The word ‘spirit’ is used as a synonym of vivacity, zeal or passion. For example: ‘She played the piano in a spirited way’. Yet another way to use the word ‘spirit’ is to refer to alcoholic beverages. For example: ‘We don’t sell spirits’. In light of above discussion and explanation it can be concluded that ‘spirit’ was originally a Latin word, included in Middle English after being borrowed by French language. The literal meaning of this word is air or breath, but it is used to refer to the living energy in all living creatures, supernatural beings, meta-physical existence of souls, alcoholic beverages and disinfecting medicines in addition to its metaphorical uses in the English language. The most common use of this word in daily life is in the context of soul and life; ethanol and alcoholic beverages. References Berghash, Racheal & Jillson, Katherine. Thoughts on Psyche, soul and spirit. Journal of religion and health. 37.4 (1998): 313- 322. Boggan, Bill. Sources and uses of Ethyl Alcohol. Chem Cases. 2003. 10 July 2011. < http://chemcases.com/alcohol/alc-03.htm>. Forget, Jacques. "Holy Ghost." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 7. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1910. 9 Jul. 2011. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. Catechism of the Catholic Church. Vaticana: USCC Inc, 1994. Lichine, Alexis. Alexis Lichine’s New Encyclopedia of Wines & Spirits  New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 1987, 707–709. The American Heritage Dictionary. Spirit. Houghton: Mifflin Company. 2009 Theosophy. What is Spirit? 1966. 10 July 2011. . Wikipedia. Spirit. 2009. 10 July 2011. Read More