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Translate files Corporal
/ˈkɔːpərəl/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A non-commissioned officer in the military, ranking above a private and below a sergeant.
The corporal led his team through the challenging mission.
A corporal’s rank insignia.
She wore her corporal stripes proudly on her uniform.
adjective
Relating to the body; physical.
The soldier sustained a corporal injury during the training exercise.
Of or relating to the rank of corporal in the military.
He was promoted to corporal after demonstrating excellent leadership skills.
Etymology
Middle English: from Old French 'corporal', from Latin 'corporalis' meaning 'of the body', from 'corpus' meaning 'body'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
corporal punishment:
Physical punishment inflicted on the body, often in a disciplinary context.
to be reduced to corporal:
A phrase used when someone is demoted to a lower rank, especially in a military context.
acting corporal:
An individual temporarily fulfilling the duties of a corporal without the formal rank.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
A term used humorously or sarcastically to describe someone in a low-ranking position or someone with limited authority.
He’s just a corporal around here, don’t expect him to change anything.
Used to describe someone who is very strict or rigid, particularly in their enforcement of rules.
That teacher is such a corporal when it comes to classroom discipline!