Relating to the body or physical desires, especially sexual desires; fleshly.
From Latin 'carnalis' (of flesh), derived from 'caro' (meat or flesh); religious texts often contrasted carnal desires with spiritual ones.
Carnal comes from Latin 'caro' (flesh), the same root as 'carnival'—which literally means 'farewell to meat' because historically it was the last feast before Lenten fasting, making both words about our relationship with the body.
Carnal desire has been historically gendered—female carnality was pathologized as dangerous or sinful, while male carnality was naturalized. Religious and medical discourse weaponized this asymmetry.
Use neutrally if needed; avoid suggesting women's sexuality is more transgressive or dangerous than men's.
["sensual","physical","bodily"]
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