Word
physically
Phoneticsphys·i·cal·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɪzɪkəɫi/
UK/fˈɪzɪkli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01relating to the body
B1 · Intermediate
adv. in a way that relates to your body rather than your mind.
adv. relating to the body as opposed to the mind or spirit.
“The job was physically tiring, but he enjoyed working outdoors.”
“Although she felt mentally sharp, she was physically exhausted after the marathon and needed several days of rest.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02using force
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. using your body or strength to move or touch something.
adv. by means of physical force or contact.
“The security guards had to physically remove the man from the building.”
“The protesters were physically blocked from entering the square by a line of officers in riot gear.”
Synonyms
03laws of nature
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science
adv. in a way that is possible according to the laws of nature.
adv. according to the laws of physics or the nature of the material world.
“It is physically impossible for a human to jump that high.”
“The engineer explained that it was physically impossible for the bridge to collapse under that specific amount of weight.”
04manually or directly
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
adv. doing something yourself by hand rather than using a computer or a machine.
adv. directly or manually, rather than through an automated or digital process.
“I had to physically go to the bank because the app wasn't working.”
“In an era of remote work, he still preferred to physically attend meetings to better read the room's energy.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “physically” in context.
Adjective
01. physically present
“Students must be physically present in the classroom to take the final exam.”
adv + adj
02. physically separate
“The two departments are located in physically separate buildings on the campus.”
adv + adj
Etymology
From physic + -ally or physical + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/physically