ENGLISH
REFERENCE

carnal

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈkɑɹnəɫ// UK //kˈɑːnəl// car·nal

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.


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.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English, from Latin carnālis (“fleshly, of the flesh”), from carō (“flesh”).

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