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View synonyms for physical

physical

[ fiz-i-kuhl ]

adjective

  1. of or relating to the body:

    physical exercise.

    Synonyms: fleshly, somatic

  2. of or relating to that which is material:

    the physical universe; the physical sciences.

    Synonyms: palpable, tangible

  3. noting or pertaining to the properties of matter and energy other than those peculiar to living matter.
  4. pertaining to the physical sciences, especially physics. physics.
  5. carnal; sexual:

    a physical attraction.

  6. tending to touch, hug, pat, etc.; physically demonstrative:

    a physical person.

  7. requiring, characterized by, or liking rough physical contact or strenuous physical activity:

    Football is a physical sport.



physical

/ ˈfɪzɪkəl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the body, as distinguished from the mind or spirit
  2. of, relating to, or resembling material things or nature

    the physical universe

  3. involving or requiring bodily contact

    rugby is a physical sport

  4. of or concerned with matter and energy
  5. of or relating to physics
  6. perceptible to the senses; apparent

    a physical manifestation

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈphysicalness, noun
  • ˈphysically, adverb
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Other Words From

  • physi·cal·ly adverb
  • physi·cal·ness noun
  • anti·physi·cal adjective
  • anti·physi·cal·ly adverb
  • anti·physi·cal·ness noun
  • non·physi·cal adjective
  • non·physi·cal·ly adverb
  • quasi-physi·cal adjective
  • quasi-physi·cal·ly adverb
  • trans·physi·cal adjective
  • trans·physi·cal·ly adverb
  • un·physi·cal adjective
  • un·physi·cal·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of physical1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin physicālis “concerning medicine.” See physic, -al 1
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Idioms and Phrases

see get physical .
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Synonym Study

Physical, bodily, corporeal, corporal agree in pertaining to the body. Physical indicates connected with, pertaining to, the animal or human body as a material organism: physical strength, exercise. Bodily means belonging to, concerned with, the human body as distinct from the mind or spirit: bodily pain or suffering. Corporeal, a more poetic and philosophical word than bodily, refers especially to the mortal substance of which the human body is composed as opposed to spirit: this corporeal habitation. Corporal is now usually reserved for reference to whippings and other punishments inflicted on the human body.
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Example Sentences

This, along with physical representations of more than 100 books that have been lost, unfinished or dreamed up by other writers, will be on display at the Grolier Club, from Thursday through Feb. 15.

The cavers experienced daily physical exertion, isolation and spartan hygiene and sleeping quarters -- a far cry from the strict parameters involved in orthodox lab work.

Girls who lived in neighborhoods designed to support physical activity were less likely to be sedentary.

They represented the bravery and courage that was a hallmark of Mexican boxing, but their lack of concern about violence in the ring suggested their bouts would take a profound physical toll.

"Catch bonds play critical roles in systems like T-cell receptors and bacterial adhesions, which are key to immune responses, tissue integrity and mechano-sensing -- a cell's ability to detect and respond to physical forces," says Yang.

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Related Words

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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