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.
Even though food was physically available, it could not move through the system.
From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026
These numbers cannot convey the giddy, fearful delight of being physically coupled to this 6,371-pound hammer when it leaves Thor’s hand.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
Booker is a mismatch against anyone she faces, as a 6-foot-1 forward who can shoot and play physically.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
“The U.S. stepping back from physically reopening the artery means the market now has to price a world where the blockage lingers, but the war premium fades at the margin,” Innes said.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026
“He has radiation poisoning. He’s physically not able to do much and—and...”
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.
