Carnalist

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An advocate for the pursuit of physical pleasures and the enjoyment of bodily needs, someone who favors sensual experiences over intellectual or spiritual pursuits, or an individual who prioritizes earthly indulgences in life
2. A person who prioritizes physical gratification and sensual experiences over mental or spiritual fulfillment is often referred to as someone who welcomes bodily pleasures voraciously
3. An individual who places a high value on corporeal enjoyment rather than intellectual or spiritual pursuits exemplifies a deep appreciation for earthly delights

Etymology: "Carnalist" is a plain formation: the adjective "carnal," meaning "of the flesh" or relating to bodily appetites, with the suffix "-ist" added to name a person who follows or adheres to that quality. The "-ist" ending, borrowed through French from Greek "-istes," is the same one found in words like "pianist" or "moralist," where it marks someone who practices or favours a particular thing. "Carnal" itself comes into English through Old French from Latin "carnalis," derived from "caro" (genitive "carnis"), meaning "flesh." That Latin root is also the source of words like "carnivore" and "carnage," so the idea of the body as flesh runs through the family. In "carnalist," the suffix turns that bodily sense into a label for a person whose outlook is ruled by physical appetite.

Synonyms: sensualist, hedonist

Antonyms: ascetic