physical

[fiz-i-kuhl]

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.

noun

1. physical examination.

physical

/ 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

noun

1. short for physical examination

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of physical¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

see get physical.

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

After suffering physical issues early in his career, he transformed himself into a complete athlete and rose to the top of the sport thanks to his speed, strength, stamina and flexibility.

From BBC

Skinner’s military background inspires her own physical training, jogging miles and lifting weights.

From Los Angeles Times

But she recalled a "toxic culture" between the couple and said arguments were "becoming physical".

From BBC

Hodgkiss had been a football coach and physical education teacher at Bishop Montgomery for 15 years until he was fired last week.

From Los Angeles Times

The first two films, directed by James Wan, ingeniously engaged with many variations on the idea of vision: physical, psychic and through a camera’s lens.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• environmental 
• natural 
• real 
• substantial