What Is “Bodily”?
Definition:
Bodily is an adjective meaning relating to the body rather than the mind or spirit. It describes physical aspects, movements, or sensations.
In simple words: “Bodily” refers to things that involve your body—its shape, functions, or sensations.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈbɒd.əl.i/
- Spoken: BOD-ih-lee
Grammatical Formation
- Part of speech: Adjective
- Usage: Placed before a noun or after linking verbs (be, seem, remain)
- “He suffered bodily harm.”
- “Her recovery was bodily and mental.”
Synonyms
physical, corporeal, somatic, fleshly, anatomical
Antonyms
mental, spiritual, intellectual, emotional
Related Terms
- Somatic – relating to the body
- Physical – involving the body or material things
- Anatomical – concerning bodily structure
- Physiological – relating to bodily functions
Common Collocations
- bodily functions (e.g., digestion, circulation)
- bodily harm (injury to the body)
- bodily fluids (e.g., blood, saliva)
- bodily sensations (e.g., pain, warmth)
- bodily presence (physical presence)
Idiomatic Usage & Expressions
- “Bodily harm” – injury inflicted on a person’s body
“The law protects victims from bodily harm.” - “Bodily functions” – essential physical processes
“Proper hydration is vital for normal bodily functions.” - “Bodily autonomy” – the right to govern one’s own body
“Campaigners defend bodily autonomy in healthcare decisions.”
Sample Sentences
- He sustained serious bodily injuries in the accident.
- Yoga can improve bodily flexibility and strength.
- Doctors monitor bodily fluids to assess health.
- She felt a strange bodily sensation before the exam.
- Everyone has the right to bodily autonomy.
Does “Bodily” Have Any Relationship to Sexuality?
Not inherently.
- Bodily simply denotes physical or corporeal aspects of humans.
- It can describe any bodily process—digestion, movement, sensation—without sexual implication.
- In discussions of sexual health or bodily autonomy, it appears alongside sexuality, but the adjective itself remains neutral and non‑sexual unless context adds that meaning.