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.
To get airport transportation running normally again, the Lobito company hired a worker whose sole job is to physically check beneath parked buses for napping iguanas before drivers start their engines.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026
Researchers at Georgetown University have uncovered new evidence that the brain physically reorganizes itself as people master a skill, allowing well-practiced tasks to become automatic.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 12, 2026
“And also physically, condition-wise, it’s been good. And I hope that I can carry this into the second half.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026
England's midfield of Declan Rice, Elliot Andersen and Jude Bellingham have the ability to physically impose themselves on France's midfield.
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026
“When you physically touched it, you dislodged it from your uncle and it attached to you,” First Turkey explained.
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
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.
