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physical

American  
[fiz-i-kuhl] / ˈfɪz ɪ kəl /

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 British  
/ 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

  1. short for physical examination

"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
physical Idioms  

Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of physical

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"The structured wraparound care support focuses on good nutrition to support health and increasing physical activity," a spokesperson added.

From BBC

Yet rather than the physical challenges - and the cold - it's the close proximity to colleagues, and structured routine, that can cause the most issues for people, according to Mariella Giancola, BAS' head of HR.

From BBC

Pupils were asked to give their views on a range of subjects from physical and mental health, to bullying and the pressures of school work.

From BBC

Their insurer, the Fair Plan, in October denied their claims for remediation, telling them in a letter that the policy covers smoke-damage claims only where there was “direct physical loss observed.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Birkett suffered a complex brain injury as well as severe physical injuries, which left him unable to recall the events of 13 June 2023.

From BBC