nonphysical

Thân thiện

A child imagines a nonphysical friend to play with.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Not having a physical or material form; not tangible: Describes something that exists but cannot be perceived by the sense of touch or does not occupy physical space. 2. Relating to the mind, spirit, or abstract concepts rather than the body or material objects: Pertaining to aspects of existence that are mental, emotional, or spiritual.

Usage

The adjective "nonphysical" is used to describe entities, qualities, or experiences that are not corporeal. It is often employed in philosophical, spiritual, psychological, and technical contexts to contrast with the physical or material world. - It typically precedes the noun it modifies (e.g., nonphysical entity). - It can be used after linking verbs like is, seems, or becomes (e.g., The connection seemed nonphysical).

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun):
  • Thoughts and emotions are considered nonphysical phenomena.
  • The theory explores the potential for nonphysical dimensions of reality.
• Predicative use (after a linking verb):
  • The bond between them was deeply emotional and entirely nonphysical.
  • Consciousness may be nonphysical in nature.

Advanced Usage

• In Philosophy & Metaphysics: Used to discuss abstract objects, properties, or realms of existence separate from the material world.
  • The debate centered on whether mathematical truths are nonphysical abstractions or human constructs.
• In Computing & Virtual Reality: Describes components or interactions that exist only in digital or simulated environments.
  • The software creates a nonphysical interface for data manipulation.

Variants and Related Words

• Intangible (adj.): Incapable of being perceived by the sense of touch; often used interchangeably with "nonphysical," especially for assets or qualities.
  • Goodwill is an intangible asset on the company's balance sheet.
• Incorporeal (adj.): Having no material body or form; a more formal synonym, common in legal and philosophical texts.
  • The law recognized the incorporeal right of way.

Synonyms

• Immaterial
• Impalpable
• Unbodied
• Spiritual (in some contexts)
• Metaphysical

Antonyms

• Physical
• Material
• Tangible
• Corporeal
• Concrete

Học thuật

Adjective

1. lacking substance or reality; incapable of being touched or seen
   • that intangible thing--the soul

Từ đồng nghĩa

• intangible