1. Physical (adjective): Relating to the body as opposed to the mind.
2. Physical (adjective): Involving bodily activity rather than mental or spiritual actions. 3. Physical (adjective): Related to the natural sciences, particularly physics.
4. Physical (adjective): Tangible, material, or having a concrete form.
5. Physical (noun): A medical examination of the body to check health.
“Physical” points first to the material world, all things you can touch, measure, or see. It can describe the body itself, as in “physical health,” or actions that use bodily force, such as a “physical game” in sports. In medicine, it refers to a routine examination a doctor performs. Explore “physical” further to use it with confidence across science, health, and everyday talk.
The word "physical" is versatile and widely used to describe attributes of the body, science, and material existence. Here are its various meanings.
As an adjective, "physical" often refers to something concerning the body, distinguishing it from mental or emotional aspects.
Another meaning of "physical" emphasizes physical movement or activity, such as exercise or sports.
In science, "physical" pertains to physics or the laws of nature, especially in contrast to abstract concepts.
"Physical" can also mean something that is concrete, material, and can be touched, as opposed to abstract or theoretical.
As a noun, "physical" refers to a medical check-up where a doctor assesses a person's bodily health.
The word is primarily an adjective, pairing with nouns like “object,” “fitness,” or “chemistry.” As a noun it abbreviates “physical examination,” so someone might say, “I have my annual physical tomorrow.” A dated philosophical sense once used “physical” as a noun meaning natural philosopher, though that usage faded centuries ago.
Pronounce “physical” as “FIZ-ih-kuhl,” stressing the first syllable “FIZ,” which rhymes with “his.” The second syllable is a light “ih,” almost swallowed, and the final “kuhl” lands softly as in “pickle” without the p. Practice by breaking it into three quick beats: “FIZ,” “ih,” “kuhl.”
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈfɪz.ɪ.kəl/
Understanding synonyms for "physical" can help diversify vocabulary and make writing more precise.
Exploring antonyms of "physical" helps understand concepts related to the non-material or mental aspects of life.
Seeing "physical" in different sentence contexts can clarify its meaning and usage.
The word "physical" is commonly used across many fields, including medicine, science, sports, and everyday speech. It frequently appears in health and fitness discussions, as well as in educational and scientific contexts.
"Physical" has a few variations and related forms that adapt to different contexts.
Understanding related words can help clarify the meaning and usage of "physical."
"Physical" first appeared in late Middle English around the 14th century, borrowed from medieval Latin "physicalis," rooted in the Greek word "phusikos." This Greek word was tied to "phusis," which means nature. Originally, it was used to describe natural philosophy or sciences dealing with the material world before it began referring more directly to bodily attributes in the 17th and 18th centuries.
"Physical" has several derivatives and compound words that expand its meaning.
"Physical" is often misspelled in various ways. Here are some common errors:
Here are ten idioms that convey ideas similar to "physical":
People often ask questions about the meaning and usage of "physical." Here are some of the most common inquiries:
1. What is the basic definition of "physical"?
"Physical" refers to anything related to the body, tangible objects, natural sciences, or bodily activity.
2. Can "physical" be used as a noun?
Yes, as a noun, "physical" refers to a medical examination of a person's body to assess health.
3. What is the difference between "physical" and "physiological"?
"Physical" refers to the body or tangible things in general, while "physiological" specifically relates to the biological functions of living organisms.
4. How can "physical" be used in a sentence?
You can say, "He engages in physical activity daily" (adjective) or "The doctor performed a physical" (noun).
5. What are common phrases that include "physical"?
Some common phrases include "physical fitness," "physical health," "physical science," and "physical therapy."
6. What is the phonetic pronunciation of "physical"?
The phonetic pronunciation is /ˈfɪz.ɪ.kəl/, with stress on the first syllable: "FIZZ-i-kul."
7. Is "physical" only used for the human body?
No, "physical" can also refer to inanimate objects, natural laws, and scientific properties, such as "physical matter" or "physical changes."
8. What are synonyms of "physical"?
Some synonyms include "bodily," "tangible," "corporeal," and "material."
9. What are antonyms of "physical"?
Antonyms include "mental," "spiritual," "abstract," and "theoretical."
10. Can "physical" be used figuratively?
Yes, in phrases like "physical presence," it can refer to someone’s noticeable impact or influence rather than their literal body.
The word "physical" refers to things related to the body, science, or material existence, and it is widely used in everyday and academic language. It plays a crucial role in discussions about health, fitness, and the physical world around us. Expanding your vocabulary with words like "physical" enhances clarity and precision in communication.
