physically
Americanadverb
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relating to the body or its appearance.
He is not physically attractive.
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according to what exists in the physical world as perceived by the senses.
It's not physically possible because of the laws of gravity.
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in a way that involves rough body contact or strenuous physical activity: a physically demanding sport.
a physically abusive spouse;
a physically demanding sport.
Etymology
Origin of physically
First recorded in 1580–90; physical ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
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.
Approximately 32% improved cognitively, while 28% improved physically.
From Science Daily • Jun. 21, 2026
There’s nothing left that he has touched which hasn’t metaphorically or physically been destroyed.
From Salon • Jun. 19, 2026
Raden prefers to operate at “inbox zero,” but on Friday, she has 132 unread emails, which physically pains her.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026
Posting on his Instagram,, external Verhoeven wrote that the appeal commission confirmed the bell ending round 11 had already sounded before the referee physically waved off the fight.
From BBC • Jun. 17, 2026
The Germans advanced to within twenty-five miles of Paris but found themselves physically exhausted and far ahead of their supply lines.
From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman
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.
