Nonphysical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
nonphysical
[nษnหfษชzษชkษl ]
Definition
general use
Nonphysical refers to anything that is not related to the body or does not have a physical form. This can pertain to abstract concepts, thoughts, emotions, or experiences that cannot be observed physically.
Synonyms
abstract, intangible, metaphysical.
Examples of usage
- Nonphysical skills can be just as important as physical ones.
- The nonphysical aspects of wellness include mental health.
- Many believe in nonphysical realms beyond our tangible existence.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Philosophers discuss 'nonphysical' concepts to explore ideas like consciousness and identity, which aren't tied to the body.
- In discussions about the mind-body problem, 'nonphysical' often refers to mental processes distinct from physical processes.
Psychology
- Emotional experiences, like happiness or anxiety, are considered nonphysical, as theyโre felt but not seen.
- Cognitive functions, such as thinking and remembering, are understood as nonphysical because they occur in the brain's processes.
Science
- In physics, forces such as gravity or magnetism are considered nonphysical because they are not tangible objects.
- Quantum mechanics introduces the idea of nonphysical entities like wave functions that describe probabilities instead of concrete realities.
Art and Culture
- In art, many movements explore nonphysical themes, such as abstract expressionism which focuses on emotions rather than objects.
- Many spiritual beliefs emphasize nonphysical aspects of existence, like the soul or spirit, transcending material life.
Origin of 'nonphysical'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'non-' comes from Latin, meaning 'not', which changes the meaning of 'physical' to indicate absence.
- The word 'physical' itself is derived from the Greek word 'physikos', meaning 'of nature'.
The term 'nonphysical' is constructed from the prefix 'non-', meaning 'not', and the word 'physical', which comes from the Greek word 'physikos', meaning 'natural' or 'of nature'. The concept of nonphysical has been explored in various fields, including philosophy, psychology, and spirituality, to distinguish between what can be measured and observed in the physical world and what exists beyond those parameters. The use of 'nonphysical' has become more prevalent in discussions about the mind-body relationship, emphasizing aspects of human experience that cannot be quantified in physical terms. Over time, it has embraced a broader understanding as science explores areas like consciousness, emotions, and subjective experiences.