What does carnal mean?
Carnal is an adjective describing things pertaining to the body and its appetites, most often sexual ones. It derives from the Latin 'caro', meaning flesh, and has long been used in contrast with the spirit or soul — a division central to much Western religious thought. When someone speaks of carnal desire, carnal pleasure, or carnal temptation, they are framing physical longing as something distinct from, and frequently opposed to, higher mental or spiritual pursuits. The word carries a formal, literary tone and often a note of moral judgment, appearing commonly in theology, philosophy, and older legal language such as 'carnal knowledge', a traditional phrase for sexual intercourse. Beyond sexuality, it can refer more broadly to worldly, fleshly existence, as when theologians speak of carnal man versus spiritual renewal. Its relatives include carnivore, carnival, and incarnate, all rooted in the same Latin idea of flesh. For writers seeking a weighty, elevated way to discuss physical appetite, carnal remains a precise and evocative choice.
adjectiveRelating to the body or physical appetites, especially sexual desire, as opposed to the mind or spirit. In religious contexts, it denotes a worldly, fleshly nature opposed to the spiritual.
- Of or relating to the body, especially sexual appetite and physical pleasure.
- (In Christian theology) Worldly and sinful in nature, as opposed to spiritual.
"The monk warned against giving in to carnal temptations during his years of solitary devotion."
"The novel was criticized for its frank portrayal of carnal passion."
"Paul's letters contrast carnal weakness with spiritual strength."
The word 'carnal' shares its Latin root with 'carnival' — literally a farewell to meat before Lent — proving that even our wildest parties are, at heart, all about the body.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of carnal
Carnal comes from the Late Latin 'carnalis', meaning 'of the flesh', derived from 'caro' (genitive 'carnis'), the Latin word for flesh or meat. It entered English via Old French in the medieval period, carrying strong associations with Christian debates over the body and the soul. Its cognates share the same Latin root: 'carnival' originally referred to the feasting period before the Lenten fast, 'incarnate' describes being embodied in flesh, and 'carnivore' denotes a flesh-eater.
Related word forms
How carnal is actually used
Formal and somewhat literary in register. Frequently appears in religious, legal (e.g. 'carnal knowledge' as an old legal term for sexual intercourse), and moral discourse. Often carries a disapproving or judgmental connotation, particularly in theological contexts where it is set against the spiritual.
Easily confused with carnal
'Carnal' means relating to bodily appetites; 'kernel' is the edible seed of a nut or grain or the core part of something.