Physicality: meaning, definitions and examples

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physicality

 

[ ˌfɪzɪˈkælɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

body presence

Physicality refers to the quality of being physical or related to the body. It involves the presence, movement, and physical characteristics of a person, especially in relation to how they express themselves or interact with their environment.

Synonyms

bodily nature, corporeality, materiality, physical presence

Examples of usage

  • The dancer's physicality enhanced the emotional impact of the performance.
  • In sports, physicality often determines the outcome of the game.
  • His physicality in the film made the character more relatable.

Etymology

The term 'physicality' derives from the root word 'physical' which comes from the Greek word 'phusis', meaning 'nature'. The suffix '-ity' is used in English to form nouns indicating a state or condition. The concept began to take shape in the English language in the mid-20th century, where it was used to describe not only the physical attributes of individuals but also the essence and aura that their bodily presence conveys in various contexts such as art, theater, and sports. Over time, 'physicality' has come to encompass various aspects of human expression, emphasizing how our physical form influences our interactions and experiences within both individual and societal frameworks.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,500, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.