Meaning of physical in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions
  3. Qualitative Adjective
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈfɪzɪk(ə)l/

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  1. Classifying Adjective

    physical

    Definitions

    1. having substance or material existence

    Examples

    • « perceptible to the senses »
    • « a physical manifestation »
    • « surrounded by tangible objects »

    Synonyms

  2. 2. according with material things or natural laws (other than those peculiar to living matter)

    Examples

    • « a reflex response to physical stimuli »

    Synonyms

  3. 3. characterized by energetic bodily activity

    Examples

    • « tennis is an active sport »
    • « a very physical dance performance »

    Synonyms

  4. 4. concerned with material things

    Examples

    • « physical properties »
    • « the physical characteristics of the earth »
    • « the physical size of a computer »

    Synonyms

  5. 5. impelled by physical force especially against resistance

    Examples

    • « forcible entry »
    • « a real cop would get physical »
    • « strong-arm tactics »

    Synonyms

  6. Qualitative Adjective

    physical

    Etymology

    late Middle English (in the sense ‘relating to medicine’): from medieval Latin physicalis, from Latin physica‘things relating to nature’ (see physic). Sense 2 dates from the late 16th century and sense 1 from the late 18th century

    Definitions

    1. involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

    Examples

    • « physical exercise »
    • « physical suffering »
    • « was sloppy about everything but her physical appearance »

    Synonyms

    Antonyms

  7. 2. relating to the sciences dealing with matter and energy

    Examples

    • « especially physics »
    • « physical sciences »
    • « physical laws »

Famous quotes

  • « When everything else physical and mental seems to diminish, the appreciation of beauty is on the increase. »
    Bernard Berenson
  • « The world is given to me only once, not one existing and one perceived. Subject and object are only one. The barrier between them cannot be said to have broken down as a result of recent experience in the physical sciences, for this barrier does not exist. »
    Erwin Schrodinger
  • « Our growing softness, our increasing lack of physical fitness, is a menace to our security. »
    John F. Kennedy
  • « We are also in the process of defining how best to work together with food and other companies to address diet and physical activity factors in order to prevent chronic diseases. »
    Gro Harlem Brundtland
  • « The mathematical facts worthy of being studied are those which, by their analogy with other facts, are capable of leading us to the knowledge of a physical law. »
    Henri Poincare

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