Physically vs. Physical: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 11, 2023
Pertaining to the body or physical actions. Relating to the body, as opposed to the mind or emotions.
Key Differences
"Physically" serves as an adverb, describing actions or states in a manner pertaining to the body. In contrast, "physical" serves as an adjective, attributing the nature or quality of being related to the body to a noun. Each word plays a unique role in a sentence, with "physically" often modifying verbs and "physical" modifying nouns.
Consider the sentence: "He was physically present but not engaged in the physical activities." Here, "physically" describes the manner of being present, while "physical" describes the type of activities. While both words relate to bodily presence or actions, their grammatical roles and functions in sentences differ.
"Physically" can describe the manner in which an action is performed, such as "She is physically capable of completing the task." Conversely, "physical" might describe a characteristic or property, as in "He underwent a rigorous physical examination." Differentiating them hinges upon understanding their distinct grammatical functions.
To observe another disparity: "physically" might detail how an action is executed, like "He expressed himself physically through dance." In contrast, "physical" delineates attributes, as in "The physical landscape was challenging to navigate." Hence, discerning their differences also relies on recognizing how they describe aspects or actions related to the body.
When engaging with the terms, considering “physically” as an indicator of the manner of action and “physical” as a descriptor of bodily attributes or entities can establish a foundational understanding. Thus, while both words share a common thematic domain, identifying their unique functionalities and grammatical roles is pivotal for accurate utilization.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb, modifying verbs or adjectives.
Adjective, modifying nouns.
Grammatical Role
Describes the manner of an action.
Describes a characteristic or type.
Example Usage
She moved physically closer to the stage.
He completed a physical challenge.
Type of Descriptor
Indicates how an action is performed.
Indicates a characteristic or form of a noun.
In a Sentence
They competed physically.
They underwent a physical test.
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Physically and Physical Definitions
Physically
Physically refers to a manner involving the body or material world.
She was physically present at the meeting.
Physical
Physical relates to the body as opposed to the mind or spirit.
He underwent a thorough physical examination.
Physically
Physically can describe an action being performed with bodily movement.
He was physically exhausted after the workout.
Physical
Physical describes aspects or activities involving bodily contact or movement.
Hockey is a highly physical sport.
Physically
Physically also pertains to actions or conditions relating to the physical realm.
The task was physically demanding.
Physical
Physical can denote being related to material things or natural laws.
She studied the physical sciences, such as physics and chemistry.
Physically
Physically sometimes signifies the physical aspect of experiences or interactions.
They were physically distant yet emotionally close.
Physical
Of or relating to the body.
Physically
Physically might indicate a tangible or perceivable reality.
The results were physically visible on the chart.
Physical
Having a physiological basis or origin
A physical craving for an addictive drug.
Physically
Of or relating to the body.
Physical
Involving sexual interest or activity
A physical attraction.
Physical intimacy.
Physically
Having a physiological basis or origin
A physical craving for an addictive drug.
Physical
Involving or characterized by vigorous or forceful bodily activity
Physical aggression.
A fast and physical dance performance.
Physically
Involving sexual interest or activity
A physical attraction.
Physical intimacy.
Physical
(Slang) Involving or characterized by violence
"A real cop would get physical" (TV Guide).
Physically
Involving or characterized by vigorous or forceful bodily activity
Physical aggression.
A fast and physical dance performance.
Physical
Of or relating to material things
A wall that formed a physical barrier.
The physical environment.
Physically
(Slang) Involving or characterized by violence
"A real cop would get physical" (TV Guide).
Physical
Of or relating to matter and energy or the sciences dealing with them, especially physics.
Physically
Of or relating to material things
A wall that formed a physical barrier.
The physical environment.
Physical
A physical examination.
Physically
Of or relating to matter and energy or the sciences dealing with them, especially physics.
Physical
Of medicine.
Physically
A physical examination.
Physical
(obsolete) Pertaining to the field of medicine; medical.
Physically
In a physical manner.
Physical
(obsolete) That practises medicine; pertaining to doctors, physicianly.
Physically
According to the laws of physics.
Physical
(obsolete) Medicinal; good for the health, curative, therapeutic.
Physically
Using physical force.
Physical
Of matter or nature.
Physically
(obsolete) According to the rules of medicine.
He that lives physically must live miserably. — Cheyne.
Physical
Pertaining to the world as understood through the senses rather than the mind; tangible, concrete; having to do with the material world.
It's not so much a physical place as a state of mind.
Physically
In a physical manner; according to the laws of nature or physics; by physical force; not morally.
I am not now treating physically of light or colors.
Physical
In accordance with the laws of nature; now specifically, pertaining to physics.
The substance has a number of interesting physical properties.
Physically
According to the rules of medicine.
He that lives physically must live miserably.
Physical
Denoting a map showing natural features of the landscape (compare political).
Physically
In accord with physical laws;
It is physically impossible
Physical
Of the human body.
Physical
Having to do with the body as opposed to the mind; corporeal, bodily.
Are you feeling any physical effects?
Physical
Sexual, carnal.
Physical
Involving bodily force or contact; vigorous, aggressive.
This team plays a very physical game, so watch out.
Physical
Physical examination.
How long has it been since your last physical?
Physical
(parapsychology) A physical manifestation of psychic origin, as through ectoplasmic solidification.
Physical
Of or pertaining to nature (as including all created existences); in accordance with the laws of nature; also, of or relating to natural or material things, or to the bodily structure, as opposed to things mental, moral, spiritual, or imaginary; material; natural; as, armies and navies are the physical force of a nation; the body is the physical part of man.
Labor, in the physical world, is . . . employed in putting objects in motion.
A society sunk in ignorance, and ruled by mere physical force.
Physical
Of or pertaining to physics, or natural philosophy; treating of, or relating to, the causes and connections of natural phenomena; as, physical science; physical laws.
Physical
Perceptible through a bodily or material organization; cognizable by the senses; external; as, the physical, opposed to chemical, characters of a mineral.
Physical
Of or pertaining to physic, or the art of medicine; medicinal; curative; healing; also, cathartic; purgative.
Is Brutus sick? and is it physicalTo walk unbraced, and suck up the humorsOf the dank morning?
Physical
Involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit;
Physical exercise
Physical suffering
Was sloppy about everything but her physical appearance
Physical
Relating to the sciences dealing with matter and energy; especially physics;
Physical sciences
Physical laws
Physical
Having substance or material existence; perceptible to the senses;
A physical manifestation
Surrounded by tangible objects
Physical
According with material things or natural laws (other than those peculiar to living matter);
A reflex response to physical stimuli
Physical
Characterized by energetic bodily activity;
Tennis is an active sport
A very physical dance performance
Physical
Concerned with material things;
Physical properties
The physical characteristics of the earth
The physical size of a computer
Physical
Impelled by physical force especially against resistance;
Forcible entry
A real cop would get physical
Strong-arm tactics
Physical
Physical refers to tangible, material objects or realities.
The physical copy of the book was sold out.
Physical
Physical pertains to observable, measurable phenomena in the material world.
The scientist observed the physical properties of the substance.
FAQs
Is "Physical" used to describe mental processes?
No, "physical" typically describes bodily or material aspects, not mental or psychological processes.
How do you use "Physically" in a sentence?
"Physically" modifies verbs or adjectives, e.g., “He was physically tired.”
How is "Physical" generally defined?
"Physical" is an adjective that pertains to the body, material objects, or the observable world.
Can "Physically" describe emotional states?
Generally no, "physically" usually pertains to the body or tangible aspects, not emotional or mental states.
What is the basic definition of "Physically"?
"Physically" is an adverb that refers to the body or material world, often describing actions or states.
Can "Physically" refer to tangible objects?
While it describes actions or states in the material world, "physically" itself doesn’t directly describe objects.
Is "Physically" used to modify nouns directly?
No, "physically" is an adverb and generally modifies verbs or adjectives, not nouns.
Can "Physical" describe non-material concepts?
Typically no, "physical" usually refers to tangible, material, or bodily aspects.
How is "Physical" used in a sentence?
"Physical" modifies nouns to describe bodily or material attributes, e.g., “She passed the physical test.”
Is "Physical" used to describe actions?
Not directly; "physical" describes nouns (like activities) but doesn’t modify verbs, which describe actions.
Can "Physical" be used in scientific contexts?
Yes, "physical" can describe tangible, observable phenomena in scientific discussions.
How is "Physically" used to describe fitness?
It can describe a bodily state or actions related to fitness, e.g., “She is physically fit.”
Can "Physically" be synonymous with "materially"?
In some contexts, yes; e.g., “The space was physically/materially altered.”
Is "Physical" synonymous with "corporeal"?
Yes, both "physical" and "corporeal" can describe bodily or material aspects.
Can "Physical" relate to inanimate objects?
Yes, "physical" can describe the material attributes of inanimate objects, e.g., “physical characteristics.”
Can "Physically" describe spatial relationships?
Yes, e.g., “Physically, the store is 10 miles away.”
Can "Physically" be used metaphorically?
Rarely; its use is typically quite literal, relating to physical realities or actions.
Can "Physically" describe metaphysical aspects?
No, "physically" pertains to physical or material realities, not metaphysical or spiritual ones.
Can "Physical" describe aspects of nature?
Yes, it can describe material aspects or phenomena in nature, e.g., “physical laws.”
Is "Physical" relevant to physical education?
Yes, it’s used in contexts like “physical training” in physical education.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
