What does "bodily" mean?

1. (related to the body) relating to the human body rather than the mind or spirit. 2. (moving the whole body) moving or lifting someone's entire body, often using force.

How do you use "bodily"?

Usually placed before the noun it describes. Typically follows the verb and object.

bodily

adj. · adv.

US //ˈbɑdəɫi// UK //bˈɒdɪli// bod·i·ly

1 related to the body (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

relating to the human body rather than the mind or spirit.

relating to or concerning the physical body as opposed to the mental or spiritual faculties.

Example

The doctor asked if he was experiencing any bodily pain or discomfort.

Example

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.

Teacher's tip

Learners often confuse this with 'physical'; 'bodily' is more common when discussing functions, fluids, or harm.
- physical
- corporeal
- fleshly
- mental
- spiritual
2 moving the whole body (adv.)
C1 Advanced Formal

moving or lifting someone's entire body, often using force.

in a manner that involves the whole body or physical mass; often used with verbs of carrying or removing.

Example

The guards picked up the protester and carried him bodily out of the building.

Example

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.

Teacher's tip

This is a specific adverbial use often found in news reports or literature describing physical removal.

Origin

From Middle English bodily; equivalent to body + -ly.