Reading Theme:
Physical: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：bodily (physical)
physical
/ˈfɪzɪkəl/
adj., n.
Relating to the body, not the mind or emotions. Something you can do or feel with your body.
bodily
➕
/ˈbɒdɪli/
adj., n.
Describes aspects or actions directly involving the human body and its senses, distinct from mental or emotional states.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from the Latin 'physicus' (natural, relating to nature), which in turn originates from the Greek 'physis' (nature). Its core idea relates to the natural world, material existence, and the body as a natural object.
💡 Mnemonic
PHYSICAL reminds you of PHYSICS, the science of tangible matter, which relates to the BODY and MATERIAL objects you can touch.
📖 Example
The kids were full of energy and needed a lot of physical play, like running and climbing.
The children had abundant energy and required active play involving bodily movement, such as running and climbing.
🔗 Collocations
physical activity – bodily movement, especially for health or fitness
physical strength – the power and capacity of one's body
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
physically (adv.) – in a way that relates to the body
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'physical' entered English via Old French 'phisique' from Latin 'physica', which meant 'natural science'. It traces back to Greek 'physis' (nature, growth). Historically, the term evolved from its general sense relating to 'nature' (as in 'physical world') to more specific modern meanings: pertaining to the material body and to concrete objects. This shift reflects a linguistic focus from the broad philosophical concept of nature to its tangible, observable manifestations.
Meaning 2：tangible (physical)
physical
/ˈfɪzɪkəl/
adj., n.
Relating to real, solid things that you can touch and see, not ideas or digital things.
tangible
➕
/ˈtændʒəbəl/
adj., n.
Pertaining to concrete, material objects that occupy space and can be perceived by touch or sight.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She prefers reading physical books to e-books because she loves the feel of paper and the smell of ink.
She favors tangible paper books over digital e-books due to her appreciation for the sensory experience of paper texture and ink scent.
🔗 Collocations
physical object – a material item that has a solid form
physical copy – a material version of something, such as a book or document
🔄 Synonyms
Meaning 3：medical examination (physical)
physical
/ˈfɪzɪkəl/
adj., n.
A medical check-up by a doctor to see if your body is healthy and working properly.
medical examination
➕
/ˈmedɪkəl ɪgˌzæmɪˈneɪʃən/
adj., n.
A noun referring to a routine health assessment conducted by a doctor to evaluate one's bodily condition and fitness.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Before joining the soccer team, all players must pass a complete physical to ensure they are fit to play.
Prior to participating on the soccer team, every athlete is required to undergo and pass a comprehensive medical examination to confirm their physical readiness for the sport.
🔗 Collocations
annual physical – a yearly comprehensive medical check-up
pass a physical – to successfully complete a health examination
🔄 Synonyms
medical check-up (n.) – a routine examination by a doctor to assess health
health examination (n.) – an evaluation of one's physical condition
Wordbook
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