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.

noun

1. physical examination.

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

noun

1. short for physical examination

Derived Forms

• ˈphysicalness, noun
• ˈphysically, adverb

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

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

Idioms and Phrases

see get physical .

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.

Example Sentences

Given her history of physical issues, and the defiant manner in which she makes her own decisions even if they are viewed unfavourably from the outside, you would not have predicted with complete certainty she would be alongside her Great Britain team-mates.

From BBC

That’s where you get tech-bro-manual proposals like making federal staffers work inside their physical offices all day and all week.

From Slate

Mrs MacDonald was also asked about a physical altercation between her husband and Mr MacKinnon in 2013 - nine years before he is accused of murdering him.

From BBC

It was Trump’s supporters, often angry and stirred up by him, who were dangerous to our physical well-being.

From Salon

But honestly, no, I do not see physical risk from Trump in the offing.

From Salon

Related Words

• environmental
• natural
• real
• substantial