physically

American  

[fiz-ik-lee] / ˈfɪz ɪk li /

adverb

1. relating to the body or its appearance.

   He is not physically attractive.

2. according to what exists in the physical world as perceived by the senses.

   It's not physically possible because of the laws of gravity.

3. in a way that involves rough body contact or strenuous physical activity: a physically demanding sport.

   a physically abusive spouse;

   a physically demanding sport.

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Etymology

Origin of physically

First recorded in 1580–90; physical ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

"Physically, it's a little bit of a warm-up... That's why I decided to help somehow. For myself and for the sake of flowers."

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Physically, you say you need to be in better shape.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026

Physically, Robert and I are roughly the same height, with the same build and dark skin tone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

Physically he occupied a lot of space, more as time went on, and beginning perhaps with “Spinal Tap,” in which he played director Marty DiBergi, he transformed tonally into a sort of gentle Jewish Buddha.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025

Physically he was big and booming, with a voice that made the timid shrink.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• palpably
• substantially