What does physically mean?
“Physically” is an adverb meaning “in relation to the body” or “in relation to matter and observable reality.” It is used to describe bodily actions and conditions, as in “physically active,” and to distinguish material facts from imagined, emotional, or theoretical ones, as in “physically possible.” The word can also mean “actually” or “literally”: a person might say that an event feels unreal even when it is physically occurring. Because it is formed from “physical,” it often emphasizes the concrete or tangible side of an experience. In medical, legal, and everyday contexts, it can indicate that someone’s body, senses, or physical capacity is involved, while in technical contexts it may refer to spatial position, matter, or measurable physical conditions.
adverbIn a way that relates to the body, matter, or the physical world; bodily or materially. It can also mean actually or in literal reality, especially when contrasted with an imagined, emotional, or theoretical situation.
- In a way that concerns the body or bodily movement.
- In a way that concerns matter, physical forces, or observable material reality.
- Actually or literally, as opposed to hypothetically, emotionally, or merely mentally.
"The injury prevented him from participating physically in the race."
"She was physically unable to lift the heavy box."
"The proposal is physically possible, but it has not yet been approved."
The word “physically” can mean both “in the body” and “in literal reality,” so it often turns an abstract idea into something you can see, touch, or measure.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does physically come from?
“Physically” was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix “-ly” to “physical.” “Physical” comes from Latin physicalis, meaning “of or relating to nature,” which was borrowed from Greek physikos, from physē, meaning “nature.” Related English words include “physics,” “physique,” and “physician,” all of which reflect the same broad tradition of words connected with nature or the body.
Related word forms
How physically is actually used
In everyday use, “physically” is common and usually informal, though it is also standard in formal and academic writing. It can describe bodily condition, material feasibility, or literal reality; the surrounding context usually determines the intended sense.
Easily confused with physically
“Physically” refers to the body or material reality in general, whereas “physiological” refers specifically to normal body functions and processes.