fleshly

American  

[flesh-lee] / ˈflɛʃ li /

adjective

fleshlier, fleshliest

1. of or relating to the flesh or body; bodily, corporeal, or physical.

2. carnal; sensual.

   fleshly pleasures.

3. worldly, rather than spiritual.

4. having a sensuous quality.

   the fleshly poetry of the 17th century.

5. Obsolete. having much flesh; fleshy.

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fleshly British  

/ ˈflɛʃlɪ /

adjective

1. relating to the body, esp its sensual nature; carnal

   fleshly desire

2. worldly as opposed to spiritual

3. fleshy; fat

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Related Words

See carnal.

Other Word Forms

• fleshliness noun

Etymology

Origin of fleshly

before 900; Middle English; Old English flǣsclic. See flesh, -ly

Example Sentences

In early Christianity, spiritual warfare meant one was to resist the Devil by engaging in forms of ascetic behavior, mastering fleshly desires, and cultivating Christian virtues like humility, self-control, and love of enemies.

From Salon

Two weeks prior to “Subspace Rhapsody,” they aired a crossover with the animated spinoff “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” in which cartoon characters became flesh and fleshly characters cartoons.

From Los Angeles Times

It is almost a renunciation, as if we could cede the part of ourselves that relies on fleshly sustenance so that only the essential remains.

From New York Times

“There were some fleshly remains and the odor was so foul,” the villager said.

From Seattle Times

“Fissures and failures and fleshly idolatries. Covid didn’t produce these crises. It only exposed them.”

From New York Times