body - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
body Word Meanings
- the physical structure of a person or animal
- a group of persons or things
- the main part of something
body Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
body Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈbɒ.di/
US
/ˈbɑː.di/
body Word Etymology
Root decomposition: bod- = bag, body; Historical origin: Old English bodig → Middle English body; Memory image: Imagine a person’s body as a sturdy bag holding all their essential elements, like organs and spirit, together.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I plant my feet, roll my shoulders, and push upright. The body answers with a warm pressure as muscles wake and balance shifts. I adjust, keep my gaze steady, and let the rhythm set itself. In a crowd or in a task, the same energy moves through us—we move as one body, or we gather a body of ideas into a plan.
Real Context
English uses body to refer to the physical organism, a body of people, and the main part of something. You’ll see it in phrases like 'the body of the text', 'the body of evidence', or 'the body of a city' where it means the central or main part. When talking about a person, 'body' means the whole organism, not appearance or character. Metaphorically, it can mean the core or main mass of something. Learners should watch out for 'corpse' for a dead body, and avoid using 'body' where you mean a person or character. Common mistakes include translating 'body' too literally and confusing it with 'bod' (slang).
Usage Reminders
- 1. Learn the three core senses: physical body, body of people, and main part.
- 2. Use collocations like body of evidence and body of text to sound natural.
- 3. Distinguish body from corpse when talking about living vs dead.
- 4. Watch for metaphorical uses: body of a city, body of a work.
- 5. Don’t say ‘the bodies’ for a single person; use singular or plural as needed.
Common Misconceptions
- Body only means a person’s shape or size
- Body is the same as corpse
- Body always refers to one person; you cannot say 'the bodies' for a single person
- Confusing body with 'bod' (slang)
- For texts, using body when you should use 'text' or 'body of text' in a fixed phrase
Thinking Differences
English teaches you to map body to three broad senses and to recognize fixed phrases; mistakes come from translating directly and not noticing metaphorical uses.
Learning Tips
- Review three senses: body (physical), body (group), body (main part)
- Practice phrases: body of evidence, body of text
- Differentiate body vs corpse in living vs dead contexts
- Notice metaphorical uses (body of a city, body of work)
- Be careful with pronoun references after 'body'
- Keep collocations natural by reading examples
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the basic meaning of the word 'body'?
A.Spiritual essence
B.Emotional state
C.Physical structure
D.Intellectual ability
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following contexts is the word 'body' commonly used?
A.In a political debate
B.In a musical performance
C.In a biology class
D.In a cooking recipe
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following words is most similar to 'body'?
A.Mind
B.Soul
C.Heart
D.Brain
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'body'?
A.Ghost
B.Image
C.Shadow
D.Nothing
Step 5: Mastery
How is the word 'body' used in a real-life context?
A.Meditating to calm your mind
B.Exercising to improve your body
C.Writing poetry to express your soul
D.Volunteering to help your community
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