Adjective
/ˈbɒdɪli/
From the Middle English "bodily," meaning "pertaining to the body," from "body" + the suffix "-ly."
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Corporal | /korˈpoɾal/ |
| French | Corporel | /kɔʁpɔʁɛl/ |
| German | Körperlich | /ˈkœʁpɐlɪç/ |
| Italian | Corporale | /korpoˈrɑːle/ |
| Russian | Телесный | /tʲɪˈlʲɛs.nɨj/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 身体的 | /shēn tǐ de/ |
| Japanese | 肉体的 | /nikutai-teki/ |
| Hindi | शारीरिक | /ʃɑːrɪrɪk/ |
| Telugu | శారీరిక | /ʃɑːrɪrɪk/ |
The pronunciation of "bodily" remains largely consistent across English-speaking regions, though accent differences may slightly alter the sound of the vowels.
The term "bodily" has been in use since the 14th century, primarily to describe matters relating to the human body. Over time, its usage expanded to include physical presence in a broader sense, as well as relating to material or corporeal existence in contrast to spiritual or immaterial states.
The word "bodily" often appears in discussions related to health, wellness, and philosophy. It is commonly used to emphasize the physical nature of an action or condition, as opposed to the mental or emotional. In various cultural contexts, bodily practices like dance, meditation, and ritual movement are considered ways to connect with both the physical and spiritual realms.
The term "bodily" is essential in discussions concerning physical health, medicine, and the human experience. It highlights the connection between the mind and the body, and is often used in contexts involving physical exertion, pain, illness, and healing. As such, "bodily" carries implications of both vulnerability and strength, representing the tangible nature of human existence.