non-physical

The word is a modern English compound formed by directly applying the Latin-derived negative prefix 'non-' to the existing adjective 'physical.' 'Physical' itself descends from the Latin 'physicus,' meaning "natural" or "of nature," which was borrowed from the Greek 'phusikos,' derived from 'phusis' (nature). The Greek root traces back to the Proto-Indo-European bʰuH- meaning "to grow, to become." The logic of 'non-physical' is transparent: it directly negates the core concept of material existence or bodily nature, creating a term for the abstract, mental, or spiritual realm that stands in opposition to the tangible world.

Structure: non (not) + physical (of the body or material things) - non: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "not." It functions as a negative particle. - physical: An adjective of Latin and Greek origin, from the root 'physic-' relating to nature or the body, and the suffix '-al' meaning "pertaining to." Its functional role is the core adjective being negated.