Physically Definition & Meaning

American

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.

If you played along with this experiment, you are physically different now than you were a few minutes ago.

From Los Angeles Times

A student of the game, King classed Riggs as one of her heroes, and she prepared both physically and mentally for the match.

From BBC

He emphasized the importance of gang rebounding against a team known for its physically imposing double-big lineup and athletic wings.

From Los Angeles Times

"I've spent my life in and around water, but this is a completely different test, both mentally and physically," Thorpe said.

From Barron's

If brain computation cannot be separated from how it is physically realized, then scaling digital AI alone may not be enough.

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.