What is physical? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of physical

physicaladjective

vật chất, (thuộc) cơ thể, thân thể

/ˈfɪzɪkl/

Definition & pronunciation of <b>physical</b>

Where does the word physical come from?

The word "physical" originates from the Greek word "physis," meaning "nature" or "natural." In the 14th century, the Latin word "physicus" emerged, meaning "natural" or "concerned with nature." This Latin word was borrowed into Middle English as "physik," referring to the study of natural science, such as physics and medicine. Over time, the meaning of "physik" shifted to focus on the material or bodily aspects of nature, rather than the abstract or spiritual. By the 17th century, the term "physical" emerged in English, referring to the human body and its functions. Today, the word "physical" encompasses a broad range of meanings, including the material world, human physiology, sports, and education. Despite its evolution, the word "physical" remains rooted in its Greek and Latin origins, emphasizing its connection to the natural world.

Vocabulary summary physical

typeadjective

meaningmaterial

examplephysical force

meaning(belonging to) natural science; according to the laws of natural science

examplephysical explanations of miracles: explaining miracles based on natural science

examplephysical geography

meaning(of) physics; according to physics

examplephysical experiment

Example of vocabulary physicalthe body

meaning

connected with a person’s body rather than their mind

  • physical activity/fitness
  • All subjects undergo a physical examination.
  • physical appearance
  • physical disabilities/injuries
  • The ordeal has affected both her mental and physical health.

Example of vocabulary physicalreal things

meaning

connected with things that actually exist or are present and can be seen, felt, etc. rather than things that only exist in a person’s mind

  • the physical world
  • the quality of the physical environment
  • the physical properties (= the colour, weight, shape, etc.) of copper
  • She was intimidated by his physical presence.
  • Is there any physical evidence to suggest that a crime has been committed?

Example of vocabulary physicalnature/science

meaning

according to the laws of nature

  • It is a physical impossibility to be in two places at once.
  • There does not seem to be any physical explanation for what they saw.
meaning

connected with the scientific study of forces such as heat, light, sound, etc. and how they affect objects

  • physical laws
  • physical science/chemistry

Example of vocabulary physicalsports/activities

meaning

involving a lot of physical contact or activity

  • Rugby is a very physical sport.
  • It was a very physical match.

Example of vocabulary physicalsex

meaning

involving sex

  • physical love
  • They are having a physical relationship.
  • Their relationship was purely physical.
  • There was a physical attraction between us.

Example of vocabulary physicalperson

meaning

liking to touch other people a lot

  • She's not very physical.

Example of vocabulary physicalviolent

meaning

violent (used to avoid saying this in a direct way)

  • Are you going to cooperate or do we have to get physical?

Comment ()