Physically: meaning, definitions and examples

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physically

 

[ ˈfɪzɪkli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

describing actions or processes

In a way that is related to the body and not just the mind or emotions. In a way that involves physical strength or movement. In a way that can be seen or felt.

Synonyms

bodily, corporeally, materially.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
physically

Used to describe actions, events, or conditions related to the physical body or physical world. Commonly used in discussing health, fitness, and activities.

  • She is physically strong and participates in many sports
  • Working these long hours is physically draining
bodily

Emphasizes the whole body as a physical entity. Often used in a medical or health-related context.

  • She experienced bodily pain after the accident
  • Bodily fluids should be handled with care
corporeally

Relates to the physical nature of being, often used in a more philosophical or literary sense rather than everyday conversation.

  • The character appeared corporeally in the dream
  • He was obsessed with the idea of existing corporeally in different dimensions
materially

Refers to the physical or tangible aspects of something, often in contrast to the non-physical. Frequently used in discussions about possessions, finances, or substance.

  • They were materially wealthy but emotionally unfulfilled
  • The invention has not materially changed our lives yet

Examples of usage

  • He was physically exhausted after running a marathon.
  • She was physically shaking with fear.
  • The impact of the crash was physically felt by everyone in the room.
Context #2 | Adverb

describing location or position

In a way that is connected with the body as opposed to the mind. In a way that is tangible or concrete. In a way that is related to physical objects or the physical world.

Synonyms

concretely, materially, tangibly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
physically

Used when talking about the actual body or physical presence, often in contrast to mental or emotional states.

  • He is physically exhausted after the marathon
  • She was there physically, but her mind was somewhere else
tangibly

Best used when talking about something that can be touched or physically felt, often used to describe real, noticeable changes or effects.

  • His hard work had tangibly improved the garden
  • The benefits of the new policy were tangibly evident
concretely

Appropriate when discussing clear, specific, and definite concepts, often used in contrast to abstract ideas.

  • Can you explain your plan more concretely? Instead of vague ideas, he gave us concrete examples
materially

Used when referring to physical and tangible aspects, often in the context of wealth, possessions, or financial aspects.

  • She is materially well-off, living in luxury
  • His financially reckless behavior materially affected the family

Examples of usage

  • The treasure was physically hidden beneath the old oak tree.
  • He couldn't believe it until he saw it physically in front of him.
  • The museum displayed artifacts from ancient civilizations that were physically preserved.
Context #3 | Adverb

describing force or impact

In a way that relates to force, pressure, or impact on a physical level. In a way that causes a tangible effect or result.

Synonyms

forcefully, impactfully, powerfully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
physically

Used when referring to actions involving the body or physical strength.

  • He lifted the weights physically
  • She physically pushed the door open
forcefully

Used when describing something done with great force or intensity, often giving a sense of strong determination.

  • He forcefully argued his point during the debate
  • The wind blew the door shut forcefully
impactfully

Used when describing something that has a strong or significant effect or impression.

  • Her speech was delivered impactfully, leaving the audience in awe
  • The advertisement was designed to impactfully convey the message
powerfully

Used when describing something done with great power or strength, often implying an overwhelming force.

  • He struck the ball powerfully into the net
  • The artist's work was powerfully emotive

Examples of usage

  • The earthquake physically shook the entire city.
  • The new law will physically affect how businesses operate.
  • The intense workout physically transformed his body.

Translations

Translations of the word "physically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fisicamente

🇮🇳 शारीरिक रूप से

🇩🇪 körperlich

🇮🇩 secara fisik

🇺🇦 фізично

🇵🇱 fizycznie

🇯🇵 物理的に

🇫🇷 physiquement

🇪🇸 físicamente

🇹🇷 fiziksel olarak

🇰🇷 신체적으로

🇸🇦 جسدياً

🇨🇿 fyzicky

🇸🇰 fyzicky

🇨🇳 身体上

🇸🇮 fizično

🇮🇸 líkamlega

🇰🇿 физикалық тұрғыдан

🇬🇪 ფიზიკურად

🇦🇿 fiziki olaraq

🇲🇽 físicamente

Etymology

The word 'physically' originated from the combination of the word 'physical' and the suffix '-ly', which is used to form adverbs indicating manner. 'Physical' comes from the Latin word 'physicus', meaning 'natural, of nature', which is derived from the Greek word 'physis', meaning 'nature, origin'. The concept of physicality has been central to human understanding of the world, emphasizing the tangible, material aspects of existence.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,487, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.