What Does Carnal Mean?

Carnal is an adjective usually applied to matters of human pleasures. Even though there are different applications that do exist, all of them are linked together by this definition.

Origin

The word "carnal" has its origins in the Latin word, carnalis. The latter drew from the root caro, which means "flesh"; carnalis means fleshly.

Sexual

The most common use of "carnal" is for sexual appetites or any situation marked by sexuality. Such application hardly makes a distinction between what is good and what is bad. It simply applies when the situation is of a sexual nature.

Religious

The Holy Bible used euphemisms for sexual intercourse. In certain English interpretations, the phrase "to know" is used. This is the origin of the term "carnal knowledge," which was used for centuries as a euphemism for sexual intercourse. By extension, the word is used to describe sinfulness in the world.

Mortal

Carnal can sometimes apply to mere matters of the flesh, or it can denote mortality and temporal status. "Carnal remains" and "carnal pleasure" are but a few examples of phrases spawned by this adjective.

Synonyms

As a result of its uses, carnal has a number of synonyms. They include fleshly, sensual, temporal and worldly.

References

• Merriam-Webster definition of carnal
• Biblical passage briefly discussing the meaning of "to know"