Incorporeal: meaning, definitions and examples

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incorporeal

 

[ ɪnˈkɔːrpəriəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

philosophical concept

The term 'incorporeal' refers to something that lacks a physical body or form. In philosophical discussions, it is often used to describe entities that exist beyond the material world, such as spirits or abstract concepts. Incorporeal beings are typically considered to be non-physical in nature, making them different from corporeal, or physical entities. This term conveys the idea of existence without dependence on a physical structure, often invoking discussions about the nature of consciousness and existence.

Synonyms

ethereal, immaterial, spiritual, unembodied

Examples of usage

  • The incorporeal essence of a ghost is often depicted in movies.
  • Philosophers debate the existence of incorporeal entities.
  • Ancient texts describe incorporeal spirits that inhabit the world.
  • The artist aimed to capture the incorporeal beauty of the wind.

Translations

Translations of the word "incorporeal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incorpóreo

🇮🇳 असंवेदनशील

🇩🇪 inkorporeal

🇮🇩 tak berwujud

🇺🇦 не матеріальний

🇵🇱 niecielesny

🇯🇵 無形の

🇫🇷 incorporel

🇪🇸 incorpóreo

🇹🇷 bedensiz

🇰🇷 비물질적인

🇸🇦 غير مادي

🇨🇿 nehmotný

🇸🇰 nehmotný

🇨🇳 非物质的

🇸🇮 nehotno

🇮🇸 óefnislegur

🇰🇿 материалдық емес

🇬🇪 უხილავი

🇦🇿 bədən olmayan

🇲🇽 incorpóreo

Word origin

The word 'incorporeal' originated from the late Middle Ages, with its roots in Latin. The term derives from 'incorporeus', which combines 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'corpus', meaning 'body'. This etymological journey illustrates the distinction between physical existence and non-physical essence. Initially used within philosophical and theological contexts, the term began to spread into broader discussions about metaphysics, spiritism, and literature during the Renaissance. As ideas about the nature of reality became more complex, 'incorporeal' gained significance in describing non-material aspects of existence. Over time, it has evolved to be used in both academic discourse and everyday language to express qualities that defy physical representation, maintaining its philosophical underpinnings while becoming accessible to varied audiences.