body
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbɒd.i/US/ˈbɑː.di/
the entire physical structure of a person or animal; the main part of something (such as a text or collection); a group or collective that functions as one unit
Example Sentences
The human body needs proper nutrition and exercise to stay healthy.
A new body of research explores the potential link between diet and mental health.
She discovered a hidden body of water while hiking through the dense forest.
The board of directors acts as the governing body of the organization.
He identified the body found at the scene as his missing relative.
Large bodies of knowledge are constantly evolving thanks to ongoing research and discovery.
Although many people focus primarily on external appearances, a holistic perspective emphasizes that the mind, body, and spirit work together to determine overall well-being and life satisfaction.
From ancient anatomical drawings to modern imaging technologies, the quest to understand how the human body functions has driven countless scientific innovations across the centuries.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/ˈbɒd.i/US/ˈbɑː.di/
to represent, personify, or give physical form to something (now rare or archaic, often seen in the phrase ‘to body forth’)
Example Sentences
In older literary works, ‘to body forth’ meant to give tangible form to an idea or vision.
The sculptor attempted to body her emotions in clay, shaping each curve to reflect raw feeling.
He tried to body the essence of courage in his posture during the final act.
Modern slang occasionally uses 'to body someone' in sports or gaming to mean overpowering them physically or skillfully.
The playwright sought to body the character's grief through vivid, emotionally charged monologues.
During rehearsals, the dancers aimed to body the music, translating each note into a synchronized flow of movement.
Some rhetorical techniques strive to body abstract philosophical concepts, making them more concrete and understandable to a general audience.
While once more common in older English texts, the use of ‘body’ as a verb has largely faded, preserved mainly in historical analyses and specialized literary discussions.
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Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
The principal physical form of a being or object, often housing vital functionsThe noun “body” typically refers to the tangible frame or entirety of a person, animal, or object. It serves as a container for essential life processes, housing organs and systems that carry out daily tasks like breathing, digestion, and circulation. In more abstract usage, “body” can denote a collective or main mass of something—e.g., the body of a text or the main substance of an argument. It can also signify a group working together, such as a governing body or a student body, highlighting individuals acting as a collective. In everyday situations, referencing the human body often means discussing topics like health, exercise, and wellness—people might talk about body image, body language, or body composition. If you’re crafting more specialized or academic communication, you could specify which part of the body you’re examining, like the skeletal body or the muscular system. You can also use “body” to describe everything from the main portion of a vehicle (“the body of a car”) to the central section of a letter or document. Above all, choosing context-specific details can make your references more precise, whether you’re focused on biology, governance, or even literary structure.
Alternatives
When seeking synonyms or related expressions to avoid repeating “body,” your options depend on context. For a living creature, “physique” or “form” can convey the shape and structure, often emphasizing appearance or function. If you wish to reference the tangible part of an object, phrases like “main structure,” “core,” or “central mass” may fit better, such as describing “the core of a spacecraft.” For collective meanings—like a group of people—“assembly,” “organization,” or “collective” might capture the idea of individuals acting together. In administrative or governance contexts, “council,” “committee,” or “panel” can replace “body” to denote decision-making groups. When discussing extended documents, “text,” “content,” or “bulk” works—“the bulk of the report” or “the text of the article.” Each alternative draws out a slightly different nuance, whether you’re highlighting physical shape, collaborative function, or textual substance. Adjust your choice based on the specifics: a strict focus on living anatomy, a broad reference to organizational units, or a structural component in writing or design. By rotating among “form,” “assembly,” “core,” and so on, you maintain clarity while diversifying your language and matching the complexity or formality level of your topic.
Writing
In formal or academic texts, “body” frequently appears to refer either to the core argument in a paper or to the human anatomy in scientific discussions. If you’re writing about biology or medicine, define any mention of “the body” with details about the specific system: “the human body’s circulatory system” or “the body’s immune response.” When analyzing a written work, you might divide your essay into introduction, body, and conclusion—stating explicitly that the “body section” holds your main arguments or evidence. If your focus is on a collective entity—like a governing body—explain what powers or responsibilities this group holds, showing how it shapes decisions, policies, or regulations. Meanwhile, watch for overreliance on the word if you’re describing multiple concepts. For instance, you might shift between “the main text,” “the primary discussion,” or “the central argument” when referencing sections of a document. If writing about forms or shapes, “the physical frame” or “the overarching structure” can offer a fresh approach. Evidence-based descriptions or precise comparisons often strengthen your points—like “this body of research” can be further qualified by naming the field or methodology, e.g., “this body of peer-reviewed clinical trials.” By clarifying the context around “body” and offering specific details, you’ll maintain clarity and depth, ensuring each mention feels purposeful and well integrated into your broader analysis or narrative.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “body” typically pops up when people discuss health, wellness, or appearance. You might hear, “I’m trying to listen to my body and rest more,” underscoring the link between physical signals and self-care. Friends might mention “body positivity,” focusing on comfort and confidence in one’s shape or size. Additionally, casual talk often involves “body language,” whether noting someone’s posture or facial expressions—“Did you see her body language? She seemed really tense.” Outside the human context, “body” can simply point to the main portion of objects, like “the body of a car has a scratch,” or “the body of the email is too long.” If you’re talking about a group—like “student body” or “body of voters”—you’ll likely refer to collective traits. For example, “The student body at our school is diverse.” In day-to-day settings, though, you don’t need elaborate definitions. Folks typically understand whether you mean a person’s physical form, an assembly of people, or an object’s main part based on the topic at hand. And if confusion arises, you can clarify swiftly: “I mean my body, like I feel sore,” or “I mean the main part of the text.” Most of the time, context handles the heavy lifting, so you can use “body” freely for anything from health tips to group events without complicating the conversation.
Etymology
Tracing back to Old English “bodig,” “body” stemmed from Germanic origins denoting a trunk, container, or torso. Early uses emphasized the main frame or cavity of a living creature, distinguishing it from limbs or extremities. During the medieval period, the term expanded figuratively to signify a unified whole—be it a group of people (“a body of citizens”) or the principal section of a text. Over centuries, “body” became a flexible concept, applying to everything from objects’ core structures to institutional or organizational collectives. This evolution reflects a broadening cultural understanding of how physical form, social groups, and textual compositions share the notion of a cohesive entity. As anatomists and philosophers examined the human form, “body” gained prominence in discussions on health, identity, and existential questions, eventually influencing how modern Western thought frames mind-body dualism. Likewise, the administrative sense—like a governing body—arose from the idea that committees act as single units, each member contributing to a collective whole. Today, the word remains both literal and metaphorical, bridging everyday usage (“body of water”) and specialized discourse (“body politic”). This enduring adaptability underscores language’s tendency to map one foundational concept (a central container) onto myriad contexts, from biology to politics.
