Lijfelijke

Lijfelijke is a Dutch adjective that translates to "bodily" or "physical" in English. It is derived from the word "lijf," which means "body." The term is often used in contexts that contrast with the spiritual, mental, or intellectual aspects of human existence. It can refer to sensations, experiences, or characteristics that are directly related to the physical body.

For instance, one might speak of "lijfelijke genot" (bodily pleasure) or "lijfelijke pijn" (physical pain). In a more abstract sense, it can also describe something that is tangible or concrete, as opposed to something abstract or theoretical. The adjective emphasizes the material and corporeal nature of a subject.

The use of "lijfelijke" can sometimes carry connotations of the primal or instinctive, highlighting that which is inherent to our physical being. It is a descriptive term that grounds concepts in the physical reality of the human body. While not an everyday word for many, it appears in more formal or philosophical discussions, as well as in literature, to draw a clear distinction between the corporeal and the non-corporeal.