Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to the physical body: "Corporal" describes something that pertains to or affects the body, as opposed to the mind or spirit.
   • Bodily, material: It can also mean having a physical, tangible form.

2. Noun:

   • A military rank: A "corporal" is a noncommissioned officer in the army, air force, or marines, typically ranking above a private and below a sergeant.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Corporal punishment is banned in many schools. (Physical punishment involving the body is banned in many schools.)
  • The injury caused him corporal suffering. (The injury caused him physical suffering.)

• Noun:

  • He was promoted to corporal after two years of service. (He was promoted to the rank of corporal after two years of service.)
  • The corporal led the squad on patrol. (The noncommissioned officer led the squad on patrol.)

Advanced Usage

• "Corporal" in a religious context (historical/archaic): Refers to a cloth on which the consecrated elements are placed during the Eucharist. This usage is now rare.

  • The priest carefully folded the corporal after the service.

• "Corporal" vs. "Corporeal": While often used interchangeably to mean "bodily," "corporeal" more strongly emphasizes having a material, physical substance.

  • They debated the existence of corporeal beings beyond our dimension.

Variants and Related Words

• Corporality (n): The quality of being physical or bodily.

  • The corporality of the experience made it unforgettable.

• Corporally (adv): In a bodily or physical manner.

  • The law prohibits punishing students corporally.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Bodily, physical, somatic, fleshly, carnal.
• Noun: Noncommissioned officer, NCO.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Mental, spiritual, intellectual, psychological.

Related Phrases

• Corporal punishment: Physical punishment, such as caning or flogging, inflicted on the body.

  • The debate on corporal punishment for children continues.

• Corporal's guard: A small, makeshift military detachment, often implying a very small number of personnel.

  • He defended the post with only a corporal's guard.

Adjective

1. possessing or existing in bodily form
   • what seemed corporal melted as breath into the wind- Shakespeare
   • an incarnate spirit
   • `corporate' is an archaic term
2. affecting or characteristic of the body as opposed to the mind or spirit
   • bodily needs
   • a corporal defect
   • corporeal suffering
   • a somatic symptom or somatic illness

Noun

1. a noncommissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines