corporeal
kor-POHR-ee-uhl
/kɔːrˈpɔːriəl/
Relating to the physical body rather than the mind or spirit; having tangible, material form.
Emphasizes material, earthly existence of living organisms, often contrasted with spiritual or mental concepts.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'corpus', meaning body. In medieval philosophy, scholars used 'corporealis' to distinguish the physical earthbound shell of humans from the incorporeal realm of angels and thoughts.
Word relationships
- bodily: More everyday and less formal than corporeal.
- somatic: Strictly medical or biological, whereas corporeal carries broader philosophical weight.
- incorporeal: Lacking physical body or material form.
- spiritual: Pertaining to non-material spirit or soul.
Commonly confused with
- corpulent: Corpulent means fat or obese, whereas corporeal means having a physical body.
Word family
- corporeality (noun): The quality or state of having a physical body.
- incorporeal (adjective): Lacking a physical body or physical form.
Collocations
- corporeal form
- corporeal existence
- corporeal presence
- corporeal realm
Example sentences
- "The ancient text debated whether human consciousness could persist once its corporeal vessel ceased to function." Philosophical Literature
- "It was impossible to tear his eyes away from that corporeal presence." Classic Literature
Memory hook
Think of a CORPse—it is the physical CORPOREAL remains of a body. CORP-oreal = Body form.
When not to use
Do not use to describe inanimate machinery size; it specifically references bodily or physical living form.
Fun facts
- The same Latin root 'corpus' gives us 'corporation' (a body of individuals) and 'corpse'.
Related words
Explore more words
tactile, worldly, temporal, materiality, sensory, kinesthetic
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