What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incorporeal
Example
The concept of love is incorporeal and cannot be touched. [incorporeal: adjective]
Example
The ghost was said to be incorporeal, passing through walls and objects. [incorporeal: adjective]
intangible
Example
Happiness is an intangible feeling that cannot be measured. [intangible: adjective]
Example
The value of a company's brand is often intangible and difficult to calculate. [intangible: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intangible is more commonly used than incorporeal in everyday language. Intangible is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while incorporeal is less common and refers to a more specific type of non-material entity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incorporeal and intangible?
Both incorporeal and intangible are formal words that are often used in academic or professional settings. However, intangible is more commonly used in business or financial contexts, which may make it seem slightly less formal in those settings.
