Word
carnal
Phoneticscar·nal, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɑɹnəɫ/
UK/kˈɑːnəl/
Definition
adj. relating to the body, especially the physical parts of the body that are involved in sex. It is a more formal or old-fashioned word than 'physical' or 'sexual'.
adj. relating to the body or the physical nature of a person, especially in the context of sexual desire. Often used in religious or philosophical contexts to distinguish physical from spiritual matters.
Examples
“The sermon warned against giving in to carnal desires.”
“The philosopher argued that true happiness comes from the mind, not from carnal pleasures.”
“The poet contrasts the fleeting nature of carnal love with the eternal nature of spiritual devotion, suggesting that the former is a temporary distraction from higher goals.”
Examples
simple
“The sermon warned against giving in to carnal desires.”
contextual
“The philosopher argued that true happiness comes from the mind, not from carnal pleasures.”
complex
“The poet contrasts the fleeting nature of carnal love with the eternal nature of spiritual devotion, suggesting that the former is a temporary distraction from higher goals.”
Etymology
From Middle English, from Latin carnālis (“fleshly, of the flesh”), from carō (“flesh”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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