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Meaning of physical in English
Pronunciation
/ˈfɪzɪk(ə)l/
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Classifying Adjective
physical
Definitions
1.
having substance or material existence
Examples
« perceptible to the senses »
« a physical manifestation »
« surrounded by tangible objects »
Synonyms
material
2.
according with material things or natural laws (other than those peculiar to living matter)
Examples
« a reflex response to physical stimuli »
Synonyms
natural
3.
characterized by energetic bodily activity
Examples
« tennis is an active sport »
« a very physical dance performance »
Synonyms
energetic
4.
concerned with material things
Examples
« physical properties »
« the physical characteristics of the earth »
« the physical size of a computer »
Synonyms
material
5.
impelled by physical force especially against resistance
Examples
« forcible entry »
« a real cop would get physical »
« strong-arm tactics »
Synonyms
forceful
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
animal(a)
carnal
fleshly
sensual
bodily
corporal
corporeal
somatic
material
personal
physiologic
physiological
somatogenic
somatogenetic
Antonyms
mental
2.
relating to the sciences dealing with matter and energy
Examples
« especially physics »
« physical sciences »
« physical laws »