English Reference
adverb

physically

adv.
US /ˈfɪzɪkəɫi/ UK /fˈɪzɪkli/ phys·i·cal·ly

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    in a way that relates to your body rather than your mind.

    relating to the body as opposed to the mind or spirit.

    Simple

    The job was physically tiring, but he enjoyed working outdoors.

    In context

    Although she felt mentally sharp, she was physically exhausted after the marathon and needed several days of rest.

    bodilycorporeally
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    using your body or strength to move or touch something.

    by means of physical force or contact.

    Simple

    The security guards had to physically remove the man from the building.

    In context

    The protesters were physically blocked from entering the square by a line of officers in riot gear.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    in a way that is possible according to the laws of nature.

    according to the laws of physics or the nature of the material world.

    Simple

    It is physically impossible for a human to jump that high.

    In context

    The engineer explained that it was physically impossible for the bridge to collapse under that specific amount of weight.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    doing something yourself by hand rather than using a computer or a machine.

    directly or manually, rather than through an automated or digital process.

    Simple

    I had to physically go to the bank because the app wasn't working.

    In context

    In an era of remote work, he still preferred to physically attend meetings to better read the room's energy.

Usage physically present · physically separate


From physic + -ally or physical + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated