Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊld sˈə͡ʊl] (IPA) 
The phrase "sold soul" refers to someone who has made a deal with the devil and given up their moral values in exchange for personal gain. The spelling of this phrase corresponds to the pronunciation in the International Phonetic Alphabet as /soʊld soʊl/. The letter combination "so" is pronounced with a long o sound /oʊ/ and the letter "u" has an "uh" sound /ʌ/. The letter "l" at the end is pronounced with a clear "l" sound /l/.
Sold soul refers to the metaphorical act of making a pact or agreement in which an individual relinquishes their integrity, moral values, or personal beliefs in exchange for personal gain, typically wealth, power, or success. In folklore and mythology, this concept is often associated with the archetype of a deal with the devil, wherein the individual strikes a bargain with a sinister supernatural entity.
The term "sold soul" derives from the belief that one's soul is an immaterial and everlasting essence linked to their morality and spiritual well-being. By selling their soul, the individual is thought to have forfeited their connection to their higher self or conscience, sacrificing their moral compass for selfish desires.
This concept has permeated various forms of literature, art, and popular culture throughout history. It has been explored in classical works such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's "Faust" and has become a recurrent theme in contemporary music, films, and literature.
The notion of a sold soul serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the potentially devastating consequences of compromising one's principles and succumbing to temptation. It often reflects the inner struggle between personal ambitions and ethical considerations, highlighting the overall importance of maintaining one's honesty, integrity, and individuality rather than pursuing short-lived gains at the risk of profound spiritual or psychological damage.
The term "sold soul" is derived from the combination of two words: "sold" and "soul".
The word "sold" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "sell", which comes from the Old English word "sellan". This verb refers to the act of transferring ownership or possession of something in exchange for money or goods.
The word "soul" has its roots in various ancient languages. In Old English, it was known as "sawol", which emerged from the Proto-Germanic word "saiwaz". This term refers to the spiritual or immaterial essence of a living being, often associated with beliefs about consciousness, identity, and the afterlife.
When combined, the phrase "sold soul" typically implies the act of relinquishing or sacrificing one's spiritual or moral integrity, often for personal gain or worldly pleasures.
