The word “spirit” has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word “spiritus,” which means “breath” or “breathing,” and by extension, “spirit” or “soul.” The Latin “spiritus” itself is derived from “spirare,” which means “to breathe.” This connection to breath highlights the ancient understanding of the spirit as the animating force or life force within a person.
The word has evolved over time, maintaining its core meaning related to the non-physical essence of a being, often linked with the idea of life, energy, and consciousness. In various contexts, “spirit” can also refer to the character or mood of a person or group, or to supernatural beings or phenomena.