psychologically
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /saɪkəlˈɒdʒɪkli/
US
- /ˌsaɪkəˈlɑdʒɪkli/
Description
- mentally
- emotionally
- in a way that affects the mind
- from the point of view of thoughts and feelings
"Psychologically" describes something in a way that relates to the mind, thoughts, and feelings. It shows how a person thinks about something or how an experience affects them inside, not just what happens to their body. Someone might be psychologically affected by a traumatic event long after it is over, even if they were not physically harmed.
Think of it like this: you can describe what someone did on the outside, but you can also look at what was happening in their mind. That second way is looking at it psychologically. The word often appears in conversations about mental health, behavior, and how people respond to difficult situations. A detective, for example, might try to understand a criminal psychologically to learn what drove their actions.
The word "psychologically" refers to anything related to the mind, emotions, and mental processes. It points to how we think, feel, behave, and understand the world around us. Unlike physical effects, which are visible and easier to notice, psychological effects happen within a person's inner experience.
You might hear it used when discussing the aftermath of a difficult event: "She was deeply psychologically scarred by the accident." This means the emotional harm was serious and lasting. It is also common in fields like psychology, therapy, and counseling, where understanding mental health is important. A therapist might assess how a patient is coping psychologically with grief or anxiety.
"Psychologically" can also describe motivations and influences that aren't immediately obvious. For example: "He was psychologically manipulated into making a bad decision." This suggests someone used emotional tactics to control his actions.
It's important to remember that the word doesn't just apply to mental illness; it simply refers to the workings of the mind. Everyone is affected psychologically by their experiences, relationships, and environment. When you hear this word, think about the inner world of thoughts, feelings, and motivations that shape who we are and how we act.
Examples
- 1
Emotional aftermath
After the breakup, he was still psychologically affected for a long time.
- 2
Job interview
She knew the interview would be stressful, but she felt psychologically ready for it.
- 3
Childhood harm
Growing up in a violent home can be psychologically damaging.
- 4
Sports exhaustion
By the end of the season, the team looked physically tired and psychologically drained.
- 5
Addiction
He was no longer physically addicted to the drug, but he was still psychologically dependent on it.
Pattern
psychologically dependent on + thing
needing it in your mind or emotions, not in your body
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- psychologicallyadverb