What does carnally mean?
Carnally is a formal adverb meaning in a bodily, fleshly, or sexual manner. It derives from the adjective carnal, which comes from the Latin carnalis ('of the flesh'), itself rooted in caro, 'flesh'. The word has two principal senses: first, and most commonly today, it describes physical or sexual intimacy, as in the legal and biblical formula 'to know someone carnally'; second, it can mean in a worldly or material way, contrasting with the spiritual, as in the phrase 'carnally minded' from Paul's Epistle to the Romans. Because of these associations, carnally carries a distinctly formal, often religious or legal connotation, and it rarely appears in everyday conversation. It survives chiefly in scripture, law, and literary prose, where its solemn tone lends gravity to discussions of desire and the body.
adverbIn a bodily, fleshly, or sexual manner; relating to the body or physical appetites rather than the spirit or mind.
- In a sexual or lustful manner; with bodily desire.
- In a bodily or fleshly way, as opposed to spiritually; in a worldly or material manner.
"The old texts warn against yielding to temptation carnally rather than spiritually."
"The marriage was never consummated; they never knew each other carnally."
"Paul's letter contrasts those who are carnally minded with those who are spiritually minded."
Carnally and carnival share the same root — both trace back to Latin carnis, meaning flesh: one for the appetite of the body, the other for a last feast before fasting.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of carnally
Carnally derives from the adjective carnal plus the adverbial suffix -ly. Carnal entered English from Old French in the Middle Ages, ultimately from Latin carnalis, 'of the flesh', formed on caro, carnis, meaning flesh. The same Latin root gave English cognates such as incarnate, carnation, and carnival, all preserving the ancient association between flesh and physical existence.
Related word forms
How carnally is actually used
Carnally is formal and now somewhat archaic in register. Its most frequent modern use is legal and biblical: phrases like 'knew her carnally' appear in statutes and older translations of scripture to denote sexual intercourse. In religious contexts it carries a negative connotation, opposing the spiritual to the fleshly.
Easily confused with carnally
Carnival is a festive season before Lent (ultimately from the same Latin root carnis meaning flesh), while carnally is an adverb describing physical or sexual action.