ENGLISH
REFERENCE

physical

adj.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈfɪzɪkəɫ// UK //fˈɪzɪkəl// phys·i·cal Academic Archaic General-service

adj. relating to the body rather than the mind or feelings. You use this to describe things you can touch or see in the real world.

adj. relating to the body as opposed to the mind or spirit; also pertaining to material things that exist in the tangible world. Often used in medical contexts to distinguish somatic symptoms from psychological ones.


SIMPLE

Regular physical exercise is good for your heart.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor performed a thorough physical examination to check for any signs of injury after the accident.

COMPLEX

While digital assets have become increasingly valuable, many collectors still prefer the tactile satisfaction of owning a physical copy that they can display on a shelf.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Late Latin physicālis, from Latin physica (“study of nature”), from Ancient Greek φυσική (phusikḗ), feminine singular of φυσικός (phusikós, “natural; physical”), from φύσις (phúsis, “origin, birth; nature, quality; form, shape; type, kind”), from φῠ́ω (phŭ́ō, “grow”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰuH- (“to appear, become, rise up”).

Usage

Typically precedes the noun it modifies. In medical contexts, it often pairs with 'examination', 'therapy', or 'symptoms'.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference