physical
FIH-zih-kuhl
Physical (adj) means relating to the body rather than the mind; bodily. Example: “Moving house is hard physical work, so we asked friends to help.”
adj
1
Relating to the body rather than the mind; bodily.
"Moving house is hard physical work, so we asked friends to help."
"Recovering from surgery takes real physical effort."
"He's in great physical shape for his age."
2
Relating to the material world, or to physics and the laws of nature, rather than to ideas or the mind.
"Scientists study how physical objects behave when the temperature changes."
"Gravity is a physical force we can measure precisely."
"The physical universe follows consistent scientific laws."
3
Involving bodily contact or force; rough or aggressive in a sporting or confrontational sense.
"The footballer was warned for being too physical with his opponent."
"Hockey can be a physical game, with players often bumping into each other."
"The rugby match got very physical in the second half."
4
Existing as a real, tangible object rather than in digital form.
"You can buy the game as a download or as a physical disc."
"The museum keeps physical copies of every old newspaper it has received."
"She still prefers physical books to e-readers."
noun
1
A medical check-up covering the whole body.
"He booked a physical with his doctor before starting marathon training."
"Pilots must have a physical every year to keep their licence."
"The coach requires every player to pass a physical before the season starts."
How to use physical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with the body, matter, or the real physical world — as opposed to mental, digital, or abstract.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "a physical" (the medical exam, noun) with "physical" the adjective — context usually makes it clear which is meant.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
physical activity
physical contact
physical health
physical copy
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like physical.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- physicals
- Comparative
- more physical
- Superlative
- most physical
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Moving house is hard _____ work, so we asked friends to help.
Etymology
From Late Latin physicalis, ultimately from Ancient Greek phusikos ("of nature"), from phusis ("nature").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
mental
psychical
psychological
spiritual
having to do with the mind
spirit viewed as distinct from body
Related words
Rhymes for physical
See all rhymes for physical →Frequently asked questions
What does “physical” mean?
The word “physical” means relating to the body rather than the mind; bodily. In plain terms, to do with the body, matter, or the real physical world — as opposed to mental, digital, or abstract.
How do you pronounce “physical”?
“Physical” is pronounced FIH-zih-kuhl (/ˈfɪzɪkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “physical” in a sentence?
Here is “physical” used in a sentence: “Recovering from surgery takes real physical effort.”
What is the opposite of “physical”?
The opposite of “physical” — its antonyms — are mental, psychical, psychological, spiritual and having to do with the mind.
What part of speech is “physical”?
Depending on how it is used, “physical” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “physical” come from?
The word “physical” comes from Ancient Greek. From Late Latin physicalis, ultimately from Ancient Greek phusikos ("of nature"), from phusis ("nature").
Is “physical” a common word?
“Physical” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “physical” have?
“Physical” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the body rather than the mind; bodily.
What is the difference between physical and mental?
'Physical' relates to the body — its condition, movement, and sensations. 'Mental' relates to the mind — thoughts, emotions, and mental health. Physical exhaustion is your body being tired; mental exhaustion is your mind. The two are linked, but the words separate bodily matters from those of the mind.
What does 'physical' mean in health?
Physical health refers to the wellbeing of the body — fitness, strength, and freedom from illness or injury. It covers things like exercise, diet, and sleep. It is usually contrasted with mental health, which concerns the mind, though good physical and mental health strongly support each other.
Does 'physical' only relate to the body?
Not always. Besides 'bodily', physical can mean relating to material things you can touch — the physical world, a physical object rather than a digital one. It also names the science of physics. Context decides: a 'physical examination' concerns the body, while a 'physical copy' simply means a tangible one.
What is an example of something physical?
Physical activity such as running, lifting, or dancing is a clear example, since it involves the body directly. A 'physical reaction' like blushing or a racing heart is another. In each case the word points to the body and its workings rather than to thoughts or feelings.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include physical:
