# bodily

/ˈbɑdəɫi/ (US) · /bˈɒdɪli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bodily
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. related to the body

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. moving the whole body

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The athlete suffered several bodily injuries during the game.
- The doctor checked the patient for any signs of bodily harm after the accident.
- Philosophers often debate the relationship between mental states and bodily functions, questioning how the physical form influences the conscious mind.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.