The word flesh is rich in both literal and metaphorical meanings, often evoking the tangible, physical aspect of the human body, but it can also symbolize deeper, more abstract concepts. Literally, flesh refers to the soft tissue of living beings, encompassing muscles, skin, and fat, essential for life and movement. Metaphorically, flesh is used to represent the human condition, desires, and passions, often contrasting with the spirit or soul. In literature and culture, flesh can symbolize the earthly nature of humans, representing vulnerability, mortality, and carnal desires. Expressions like “flesh and blood” emphasize the material reality of human life, while phrases like “in the flesh” highlight the physical presence of someone or something. The term also appears in religious and philosophical contexts, symbolizing imperfection or earthly temptation.
Sample Sentences
- The doctor carefully examined the patient’s flesh to check for signs of injury.
- She was fascinated by the way the sculptor shaped the marble to resemble the human flesh.
- The battle was brutal, with the sound of flesh meeting metal echoing across the field.
- The story depicted the flesh and bones of human experience, capturing both pain and pleasure.
- The old man’s flesh had grown thin and fragile over the years.
- He could feel the warmth of her flesh against his, a stark contrast to the cold night air.
- The novel’s themes explored the tension between the spirit and the flesh.
- The villain’s evil nature was seen as an embodiment of flesh and greed.
- She could not deny the pull of her flesh, but she fought to keep her mind clear.
- The preacher spoke about overcoming the weaknesses of the flesh in pursuit of spiritual strength.
Synonyms for “Flesh”
- Skin
- Meat
- Body
- Tissue
- Muscle
- Form
- Corpus
- Carcass
- Physique
- Frame
Antonyms for “Flesh”
- Spirit
- Soul
- Mind
- Essence
- Consciousness
- Metaphysical being
- Intellect
- Thought
- Divine nature
- Immortality
Related Words and Expressions
Related Words:
- Body
- Carcass
- Tissue
- Muscle
- Skin
- Bone
- Organ
- Corporeal
- Mortal
- Sensual
Phrasal Verbs:
- Flesh out (to add more details or substance to something)
- Flesh out the details (to expand on or elaborate on an idea or story)
- Come to the flesh (to become tangible or real)
- Feed on the flesh (to devour or consume something, often metaphorically)
- Tear the flesh (to cause physical damage to the body)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Flesh and blood (referring to someone as a human being, or to a relative)
- In the flesh (in person, physically present)
- The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (suggesting that a person’s desires or intentions may conflict with their physical limitations or temptations)
- Put some flesh on the bones (to add more substance or detail to an idea or project)
- Flesh out (to expand or give more depth to something).
