physically
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for physically, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — In terms of the body, rather than mentally or emotionally.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use physically
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From physical plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of physically →Frequently asked questions
What does “physically” mean?
The word “physically” means in terms of the body, rather than mentally or emotionally. In plain terms, relating to the body, or to what's actually, literally possible.
How do you pronounce “physically”?
“Physically” is pronounced FIHZ-ih-klee (/ˈfɪz.ɪ.kli/ in IPA).
How do you use “physically” in a sentence?
Here is “physically” used in a sentence: “She was physically exhausted after the marathon.”
What part of speech is “physically”?
“Physically” is an adverb.
Is “physically” a common word?
“Physically” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “physically” have?
“Physically” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in terms of the body, rather than mentally or emotionally.
What is the difference between 'physically' and 'mentally'?
'Physically' refers to the body and its condition or actions, while 'mentally' refers to the mind, thoughts, and emotions. Someone can be physically tired yet mentally alert, which shows the two words describe different aspects of a person.
What is the difference between 'physically' and 'figuratively'?
When 'physically' means in reality, it describes something that actually happens in the physical world, as opposed to 'figuratively,' which describes something meant only as an image or comparison. 'He physically carried her upstairs' is literal, while 'he carried the whole team' is figurative.
Where does 'physically' go in a sentence?
'Physically' usually comes directly before the adjective or verb it modifies, as in 'physically fit' or 'physically demanding.' When emphasising reality, it often sits before the main verb, as in 'she was physically present at the meeting.'