corporeality

IPA/ˌkɔː.pɔː.riˈæl.ə.ti/
IPA/ˌkɔːr.pɔːr.iˈæl.ə.t̬i/

corporeality — noun

1. the state or quality of having a physical body that occupies space and can be se

1.nounC2
Definition

the state or quality of having a physical body that occupies space and can be sensed by touch or sight, rather than existing only as an idea or spirit.

Example

Dr. Okafor's lecture on corporeality used dance to show how the mind and body connect.

the + corporeality + of + noun phrase; used in academic context

After the accident, Lucia wrote about corporeality and feeling trapped in her own body.

Common collocations
  • human corporeality
  • the corporeality of the body
  • sense of corporeality
  • experience of corporeality
Synonyms
  • physicality

    more common and less formal; used in everyday and artistic contexts

  • materiality

    broader; can refer to objects and substances, not just living bodies

  • embodiment

    focuses on an idea or quality being expressed in physical form

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

the + corporeality + of + noun phrase

Usage Note

Frequently used in academic, philosophical, or artistic writing rather than everyday speech. The more common word 'physicality' carries a similar meaning in informal contexts.

Common Mistakes

The corporeality of the old building was impressive.
The physical presence of the old building was impressive.
'corporeality' refers to living bodies, not buildings or objects.
I felt a strong corporeality after exercising.
I felt very aware of my body after exercising.
'corporeality' is an abstract noun used for analysis or description, not for personal feelings.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three nouns describe the quality of being physically present, but they differ in scope and register. 'Corporeality' is the most formal and specific — it refers exclusively to the living human body as a tangible, sensing entity. 'Physicality' is far more common in everyday language; it can describe the bodily aspects of a sport, a dance, or even an object's heft and texture. 'Materiality' is broader still, applying to any physical substance or matter (e.g., 'the materiality of the evidence'), not just living bodies. In a philosophy paper you would read about 'corporeality'; in a sports review you would hear about the 'physicality' of a rugby match.

corporeality ↗physicalitymateriality ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • the corporeality of
  • sense of corporeality

Etymology

LatinEnglish

From Latin 'corporeus' (bodily, having a body), plus the suffix '-ality' which turns adjectives into nouns meaning 'the quality of being X'. The root 'corpus' (body) also gives us 'corpse', 'corporal', 'corporate', and 'incorporate'.

First known use

1651

1651, in the meaning defined above