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physically

A2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /fˈɪzɪkli/

US

  • /ˈfɪzɪkəli/
  • /ˈfɪzɪkli/

Description

"Physically" describes something relating to the body rather than the mind or emotions. It is about what happens to your body, or what is real and present in the world around you. A physically demanding job might require lifting heavy objects, while someone can feel physically tired after a long day of work.

Think of it like this: you can be emotionally drained after a tough conversation, but physically exhausted after running a marathon. It points to what affects the body directly. Sometimes "physically" is also used to stress that something really happened in person. If someone was physically present at a meeting, they were actually there, not joining online.

Examples

  1. 1

    Physical effort

    The work was hard physically, so we took breaks every hour.

  2. 2

    Demanding work

    The job is physically demanding, especially in the summer heat.

  3. 3

    Mobility

    She was physically unable to climb the stairs without help.

  4. 4

    In-person presence

    We need someone to be physically present at the meeting to sign the papers.

    • Phrase

      physically present

      there in person, not just online

  5. 5

    Physical connection

    The two buildings are physically connected by a glass bridge.

  6. 6

    Physical contact

    There was no argument, but one player physically pushed another.

  7. 7

    Mental contrast

    I was exhausted mentally, not physically, after the exam.

  8. 8

    Real-world limits

    It is physically impossible to finish all that work in one hour.

    • Phrase

      physically impossible

      impossible because of real-world limits, not just difficult

  9. 9

    Physical attraction

    He is physically attracted to her, but they do not know each other well.

    • Pattern

      physically attracted to + person

      attracted to their body or appearance

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • physicallyadverb