body modification: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “body modification” mean?
The deliberate altering of the human body for non-medical reasons, such as aesthetic, cultural, or spiritual purposes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The deliberate altering of the human body for non-medical reasons, such as aesthetic, cultural, or spiritual purposes.
A broad term encompassing permanent and temporary practices including tattoos, piercings, scarification, implants, and body shaping, often linked to subcultures, identity expression, or traditional rites.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The concept is referred to identically.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with counter-culture or subcultural identity in both regions, though increasingly mainstream.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in anthropological, sociological, and popular discourse in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “body modification” in a Sentence
[Subject] practices/undergoes body modification.Body modification [verb: is, has become] common.The [type] of body modification [verb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “body modification” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He has been modifying his body for years.
- They chose to modify their bodies as a rite of passage.
American English
- She is modifying her body with several new piercings.
- The community modifies their bodies in traditional ways.
adverb
British English
- He is heavily into body modification.
- She is moderately modified.
American English
- They are extensively into body modification.
- He is visibly modified.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in industries like tattoo/piercing studios, apparel, or media covering the trend.
Academic
Common in anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, and medical ethics papers.
Everyday
Used in discussions about personal style, identity, and subcultures.
Technical
Used in medical journals regarding procedures, risks, and psychology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “body modification”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “body modification”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “body modification”
- Using 'body modification' as a countable noun for a single tattoo (prefer 'a form of body modification').
- Confusing with 'body image' (which is psychological perception).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In broad academic definitions, yes, as it deliberately alters the body. In everyday usage, the term often refers more to tattoos, piercings, etc.
No. While many forms (tattoos, implants) are permanent, others like certain piercings, hair styling, or temporary paint are not.
It offers insights into cultural values, identity formation, social belonging, resistance to norms, and the human relationship with the physical self.
It is a neutral, technical term. Connotations depend on context and the speaker's/viewer's cultural or personal views.
The deliberate altering of the human body for non-medical reasons, such as aesthetic, cultural, or spiritual purposes.
Body modification is usually formal / technical / academic in register.
Body modification: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒdi ˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːdi ˌmɑːdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A living canvas (for tattoos).”
- “Pushing the envelope (with modifications).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MODIFICATION as 'MOD-ing' your BODY, like modifying a car for personal style.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A CANVAS / THE BODY IS CLAY (to be shaped).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is typically NOT considered a classic form of body modification?