Word
bodily
Phoneticsbod·i·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɑdəɫi/
UK/bˈɒdɪli/
Definitions
01related to the body
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. relating to the human body rather than the mind or spirit.
adj. relating to or concerning the physical body as opposed to the mental or spiritual faculties.
“The doctor asked if he was experiencing any bodily pain or discomfort.”
“The legal definition of 'grievous bodily harm' requires proof of a truly serious physical injury rather than mere temporary pain.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this with 'physical'; 'bodily' is more common when discussing functions, fluids, or harm.
02moving the whole body
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. moving or lifting someone's entire body, often using force.
adv. in a manner that involves the whole body or physical mass; often used with verbs of carrying or removing.
“The guards picked up the protester and carried him bodily out of the building.”
“The bouncers were forced to lift the unruly patron bodily and deposit him on the pavement outside the club's entrance.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb and object.
Teaching tip
This is a specific adverbial use often found in news reports or literature describing physical removal.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “bodily” in context.
Real-World Examples
“This process helps cells communicate with each other and is essential for normal bodily functions.” “The driver was charged with dangerous operation causing death and dangerous operation causing bodily harm.” Etymology
From Middle English bodily; equivalent to body + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/bodily