ENGLISH
REFERENCE

physically

adv.
US //ˈfɪzɪkəɫi// UK //fˈɪzɪkli// phys·i·cal·ly
  1. 1 relating to the body (adv.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    Although she felt mentally sharp, she was physically exhausted after the marathon and needed several days of rest.
  2. 2 using force (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    using your body or strength to move or touch something.

    by means of physical force or contact.

    Example

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

    Example

    The protesters were physically blocked from entering the square by a line of officers in riot gear.
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  1. 3 laws of nature (adv.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

  2. 4 manually or directly (adv.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

From physic + -ally or physical + -ly.

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