Question

CORPOREAL:

• A. unreliable
• B. unscientific
• C. indistinguishable
• D. inanimate
• E. immaterial

Hint:

The root word "corp-" comes from the Latin "corpus," meaning "body" (think of "corpse"). Therefore, "corporeal" means "of the body" or "physical." The prefix "im-" means "not." So, "immaterial" means "not material," which is a perfect opposite.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks for the antonym of the adjective "corporeal."
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Define the word "corporeal." It means relating to a person's body; having a body or physical form; tangible; material. It is often contrasted with the spiritual or mental. The antonym must mean non-physical or spiritual.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
We are looking for a word that means spiritual, non-physical, or without material form.
- (A) unreliable means not dependable. This is unrelated.
- (B) unscientific means not based on scientific principles. This is unrelated.
- (C) indistinguishable means not able to be identified as different. This is unrelated.
- (D) inanimate means not alive. Something can be physical (corporeal) but not alive, like a stone. So this is not an antonym.
- (E) immaterial means spiritual rather than physical; of no essential consequence. In its primary meaning, it is the direct opposite of corporeal. Something immaterial has no physical substance.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The opposite of CORPOREAL (physical, tangible) is immaterial (non-physical, spiritual).