Physically Definition & Meaning

Definition

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms physically American [fiz-ik-lee] / ˈfɪz ɪk li /

adverb

1. relating to the body or its appearance.

   He is not physically attractive.

2. according to what exists in the physical world as perceived by the senses.

   It's not physically possible because of the laws of gravity.

3. in a way that involves rough body contact or strenuous physical activity: a physically demanding sport.

   a physically abusive spouse;

   a physically demanding sport.

Etymology

Origin of physically

First recorded in 1580–90; physical ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“It takes time to auction, load and physically move the barrels into the system.”

From MarketWatch

In the current situation, the resource is not being refused by producers, rather it is physically blocked.

From Barron's

“Most kids are forced to write letters way before they’re physically ready, but there’s no need to rush it.”

From Literature

Ben's mother, Nicola, said she was neither emotionally or physically abusive to Ben.

From BBC

To identify these enzymes, the research team used a technique that isolates proteins physically attached to chromatin, the natural packaging of DNA in human cells.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• palpably
• substantially

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.