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

Other Word Forms

• physically adverb
• physicalness noun
• antiphysical adjective
• antiphysically adverb
• antiphysicalness noun
• nonphysical adjective
• nonphysically adverb
• quasi-physical adjective
• quasi-physically adverb
• transphysical adjective
• transphysically adverb
• unphysical adjective
• unphysically 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

Meanwhile, the area’s wealthy power brokers are also moving to silence the Tulsa press in whatever way they can, whether via lawsuits or physical intimidation.

Read more on Salon

One of their attorneys, Victoria Alford, said they were injured while they fled the massive explosion, calling the plant workers’ physical injuries “orthopedic in nature,” and said they were also suffering from anxiety.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Not everyone investing in gold buys the physical precious metal.

Read more on BBC

The 69-year-old truck driver who got into a physical altercation with former USC quarterback Mark Sanchez over the weekend is out of the hospital and continuing his recovery at home, according to his attorneys.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The legislation will also allow for images of physical items, such as a weapon, to be treated in court as if they were the item itself.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• environmental 
• natural 
• real 
• substantial