Soulmate
/ˈsoʊl.meɪt/noun
A person regarded as a uniquely compatible emotional or romantic partner.
Did you know?The modern romantic sense is relatively recent: although “soul” is ancient, “soulmate” emerged as a nineteenth-century English compound rather than from an ancient doctrine of destined lovers.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*saiwelo-
“A reconstructed word associated with the soul or vital essence; its deeper origin is uncertain.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*saiwalō
“Soul or spiritual being.”
Old English
Old English
sāwol
“Soul, spirit, or life principle.”
Middle English
Middle English
soule
“The spiritual or immaterial part of a person.”
Middle English
Middle English
mete / mate
“A companion or associate, ultimately connected with the idea of sharing or being together.”
19th Century
English
soul-mate
“A person believed to be ideally suited to another in spirit or affection.”
Modern English
English
soulmate
“A uniquely compatible romantic or emotional partner.”