Corporeal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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corporeal

[kษ”หหˆpษ”หrษชษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

physical existence

Relating to a person's body, especially as opposed to their spirit. Having a material or physical form.

Synonyms

bodily, material, physical.

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Word Description / Examples
corporeal

Used to describe something that is physical and tangible, often in contrast to something that is spiritual or non-physical.

  • The ghosts in the story are not corporeal beings
  • She longed for a corporeal presence, someone she could touch and hold
physical

Refers to anything related to the body or physical form, often used in contrast to the mental or emotional state.

  • The physical exercise helped her alleviate stress
  • There was no physical evidence to support his claim
bodily

References to the human body specifically, especially when talking about health, movement, or physical condition.

  • He suffered a bodily injury during the game
  • Yoga helps in improving bodily flexibility
material

Describes something that is concrete and exists in the physical world, often used in contrast to the abstract or spiritual.

  • She was focused on her material possessions rather than her spiritual well-being
  • The scientist was interested in the material properties of the substance

Examples of usage

  • Her corporeal appearance was striking, with long flowing hair and piercing blue eyes.
  • The ghostly figure seemed to lack a corporeal form, appearing as a translucent mist.
  • Many cultures believe in the separation of the corporeal and spiritual aspects of a person.
  • Despite his age, his corporeal strength was impressive, able to lift heavy objects with ease.
  • She felt a deep connection between her corporeal self and the natural world around her.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, corporeal often contrasts with spiritual or abstract ideas, highlighting discussions about the nature of existence.
  • Renรฉ Descartes, a famous philosopher, distinguished between corporeal (physical) and incorporeal (non-physical) substances in his works.
  • Corporeal existence refers to entities that have a physical form, distinct from ideas or thoughts which are considered abstract.

Science

  • In biology, corporeal refers to tangible aspects of life forms, such as organs and tissues that can be physically examined.
  • The study of corporeal beings is essential in medicine, helping understand how bodies function and how to treat illnesses.
  • Corporeal entities in physics can be measured by their mass and volume, emphasizing their physical properties.

Literature

  • In literature, corporeal themes often explore the human experience, examining how our bodies influence our perceptions and relationships.
  • Authors like Gabriel Garcรญa Mรกrquez used corporeal imagery to bring vivid life to their characters, connecting emotions to physical sensations.
  • Many genres, especially horror, rely on corporeal details to elicit fear or discomfort, focusing on physical bodies and their vulnerabilities.

Art

  • Corporeal expression in art often highlights the human form, with sculptures and paintings that celebrate physicality.
  • Artists like Michelangelo emphasized physicality in their work, showcasing the beauty and strength of the human body.
  • Contemporary art sometimes challenges corporeal norms, exploring themes of body image, identity, and the transient nature of physical existence.

Origin of 'corporeal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'corporeal' comes from the Latin word 'corporalis,' which means 'of the body.'
  • It was first used in English during the late Middle Ages around the 15th century.
  • The root 'corpus' means 'body,' which you can find in other words like 'corporation' (a body of people) and 'corpuscle' (a small body).

The word 'corporeal' originated from the Latin word 'corporalis', which means 'of the body'. It was first used in English in the early 15th century. The concept of corporeality has been explored in philosophy, theology, and literature, highlighting the distinction between the physical body and the spiritual or metaphysical aspects of existence.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,487, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.