carnality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Literary, philosophical, religious, formal; occasionally found in academic or high-register critique.
Quick answer
What does “carnality” mean?
The state or quality of being concerned with bodily, especially sexual, desires and appetites rather than spiritual or intellectual matters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state or quality of being concerned with bodily, especially sexual, desires and appetites rather than spiritual or intellectual matters.
Refers to the dominance of physical, sensual, or materialistic impulses, often implying a lack of higher moral or ethical refinement. It can extend beyond sexuality to denote a preoccupation with worldly pleasures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more frequent in American religious or self-help discourse.
Connotations
Equally negative/pejorative in both dialects. In UK English, may have a slightly more archaic or literary feel.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. Possibly marginally higher in US due to prevalence of evangelical Christian publishing.
Grammar
How to Use “carnality” in a Sentence
[abstract noun] of [noun phrase] (the carnality of his desires)[adjective] + carnality (base carnality)carnality + [prepositional phrase] (carnality in art)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “carnality” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The novel explores the carnality of its protagonists with unflinching detail.
- His philosophy sought to transcend mere carnality.
American English
- The preacher denounced the carnality of modern culture.
- The film's carnality was controversial but central to its theme.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, theology, philosophy, and gender/sexuality studies to discuss themes of the body vs. spirit.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound formal or pretentious.
Technical
Not used in scientific contexts; reserved for humanities.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “carnality”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “carnality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carnality”
- Using it as a synonym for 'celebration' (confusion with 'carnival').
- Using it in a positive or neutral context without intended critique.
- Misspelling as 'carnalitity' or 'carnatility'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. It is inherently pejorative, suggesting a lower, base, or morally questionable state. Using it positively would be highly atypical and likely ironic.
Primarily, but not exclusively. Its core is bodily and sensual appetite. It can encompass overindulgence in food, drink, or other physical pleasures, but sexual connotation is dominant.
'Sensuality' is more neutral, referring to the enjoyment of sensory experiences, and can be positive. 'Carnality' is explicitly negative and implies a dominance of these physical appetites over 'higher' spiritual or intellectual faculties.
It is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'carnal'.
The state or quality of being concerned with bodily, especially sexual, desires and appetites rather than spiritual or intellectual matters.
Carnality is usually literary, philosophical, religious, formal; occasionally found in academic or high-register critique. in register.
Carnality: in British English it is pronounced /kɑːˈnæl.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɑːrˈnæl.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word. The concept is often expressed in phrases like 'the flesh is weak'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CARnal' + 'ITY' → A car needs petrol (a physical thing); carnality is about physical, not spiritual, 'fuel'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A PRISON FOR THE SPIRIT / PHYSICAL DESIRES ARE A BURDEN / SPIRITUALITY IS UP, CARNALITY IS DOWN.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'carnality' MOST appropriately used?