Select the synonym of the word "carnal" from the following alternatives that best matches its meaning in standard English usage.

Introduction / Context:
Vocabulary questions like this test your ability to understand precise shades of meaning. The word "carnal" often appears in literature, religious writing, and moral discussions. Knowing its meaning helps you understand descriptions about human desires and behaviour. Here you must choose the synonym, that is, the word closest in meaning to "carnal".

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "carnal".
• We need a synonym, not an antonym.
• Options given: chaste, sensual, decent, spiritual.
• The context is general English vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Concept / Approach:
The word "carnal" is derived from the Latin "caro" meaning flesh. In English it relates to bodily or fleshly desires, especially sexual or sensual appetites, as opposed to spiritual or intellectual interests. So the synonym must carry the idea of physical, especially sensual, urges. Our approach is to recall this connection to the "flesh" and then match it with the option that also refers to bodily or sexual pleasure.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the core meaning of "carnal" = relating to the physical body and especially to sexual or sensual desires. Step 2: Consider "chaste". Chaste means pure, modest, and avoiding sexual activity. This is actually opposite in sense to carnal; it suggests control over such desires. Step 3: Consider "sensual". Sensual describes something related to pleasure of the senses or bodily pleasure, often with a sexual hint. This clearly overlaps with the meaning of carnal. Step 4: Consider "decent". Decent means respectable or proper according to social standards. It does not directly relate to bodily or sexual desires. Step 5: Consider "spiritual". Spiritual is the opposite field: related to the spirit, soul, or religion, not the flesh. Step 6: Conclude that "sensual" is the only option that matches the meaning of "carnal".

Verification / Alternative check:
A good learner's dictionary will define "carnal" as "relating to physical, especially sexual, needs and activities rather than spiritual matters". Many examples show phrases like "carnal desires" or "carnal sins" referring to sensual behaviour. Similarly, "sensual pleasures" refer to pleasures of the senses, particularly sexual pleasure. This confirms that "sensual" is the correct synonym here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• chaste: Means sexually pure or abstaining from sexual relations. It is very close to an antonym of carnal rather than a synonym.
• decent: Refers to proper or socially acceptable behaviour; it does not specifically mention physical or sexual desire.
• spiritual: Directly contrasts with carnal by focusing on the soul, faith, or non-material values instead of bodily urges.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates mistakenly pick "spiritual" thinking of religious writings that mention both "carnal" and "spiritual". In those texts, carnal and spiritual are contrasted, so they are opposites, not synonyms. Others may be misled by "chaste", which appears often in moral contexts, but that word actually refers to purity, the opposite of indulgent bodily desire. Always focus on the core definition rather than the general moral tone.

Final Answer:
The synonym of "carnal" is sensual.