Physically vs. Physical — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 31, 2023
Physically is an adverb describing how something is done or exists, while Physical is an adjective describing inherent attributes or characteristics.
Difference Between Physically and Physical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Physically and Physical are both related to the body or material things, but they serve different grammatical purposes. Physically is an adverb that describes the manner in which an action is performed, specifically in relation to the physical realm. For instance, when one says they're "physically exhausted," they're emphasizing the tangible aspect of their fatigue. On the other hand, Physical serves as an adjective and directly modifies nouns, shedding light on their tangible or bodily nature. A "physical examination," for example, pertains to a hands-on assessment of the body.
Though Physically and Physical both revolve around tangible realities, their usage in sentences differs. One cannot interchange them without altering the structure or meaning of a sentence. Thus, while both words pertain to the material world, Physically relates more to actions, and Physical pertains more to descriptions.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective
Usage
Describes how an action is performed
Describes attributes or characteristics
Example Sentence
She ran physically fast.
He went for a physical check-up.
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Refers to
Manner or state of being
Inherent quality or nature
Typical Followers
Verbs (e.g., moving, tired)
Nouns (e.g., appearance, examination)
Compare with Definitions
Physically
In a manner relating to the body.
He was physically fit for the marathon.
Physical
Pertaining to tangible material things.
There was physical evidence at the scene.
Physically
Pertaining to real-world actions or occurrences.
The evidence was physically verified.
Physical
Opposite of virtual or digital.
They prefer physical books over e-books.
Physically
With relation to physical effort or presence.
She was physically present at the event.
Physical
Relating to the body as opposed to the mind
A range of physical and mental challenges
Physically
To describe the tangible aspect of an experience.
The journey was physically taxing.
Physical
Relating to things perceived through the senses as opposed to the mind; tangible or concrete
The physical world
Physically
In a tangible or actual manner.
The sculpture was physically imposing.
Physical
Relating to physics or the operation of natural forces generally
Physical laws
Physically
In a manner relating to the body as opposed to the mind
Physically demanding work
I found her physically attractive
Physical
A medical examination to determine a person's bodily fitness
At fifty-something, each year's physical was a kind of lottery
Physically
In a way that relates to the real world and things perceived through the senses as opposed to the mind
Cyberspace is a virtual place; it does not physically exist
Physical
Stocks held in actual commodities for immediate exchange, for example as opposed to futures
The exchange of futures for physicals
Physically
Of or relating to the body.
Physical
Of or relating to the body.
Physically
Having a physiological basis or origin
A physical craving for an addictive drug.
Physical
Having a physiological basis or origin
A physical craving for an addictive drug.
Physically
Involving or characterized by vigorous or forceful bodily activity
Physical aggression.
A fast and physical dance performance.
Physical
Involving or characterized by vigorous or forceful bodily activity
Physical aggression.
A fast and physical dance performance.
Physically
(Slang) Involving or characterized by violence
"A real cop would get physical" (TV Guide).
Physical
(Slang) Involving or characterized by violence
"A real cop would get physical" (TV Guide).
Physically
Of or relating to material things
A wall that formed a physical barrier.
The physical environment.
Physical
Of or relating to material things
A wall that formed a physical barrier.
The physical environment.
Physically
Of or relating to matter and energy or the sciences dealing with them, especially physics.
Physical
Of or relating to matter and energy or the sciences dealing with them, especially physics.
Physically
A physical examination.
Physical
A physical examination.
Physically
In a physical manner.
Physical
Of medicine.
Physically
According to the laws of physics.
Physical
(obsolete) Pertaining to the field of medicine; medical.
Physically
Using physical force.
Physical
(obsolete) That practises medicine; pertaining to doctors, physicianly.
Physically
(obsolete) According to the rules of medicine.
He that lives physically must live miserably. — Cheyne.
Physical
(obsolete) Medicinal; good for the health, curative, therapeutic.
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
Of matter or nature.
Physically
According to the rules of medicine.
He that lives physically must live miserably.
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 accord with physical laws;
It is physically impossible
Physical
In accordance with the laws of nature; now specifically, pertaining to physics.
The substance has a number of interesting physical properties.
Physical
Denoting a map showing natural features of the landscape (compare political).
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
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
Relating to the body.
Physical health is crucial for overall well-being.
Physical
Inherent, relating to nature or character.
The book had a physical weight to it.
Physical
Of or relating to physics.
He studied the physical properties of the element.
Common Curiosities
Is Physical only related to human bodies?
No, Physical can describe anything tangible or material, not just human attributes.
How do Physically and Physical relate to the body?
Physically describes how an action is performed concerning the body, while Physical describes inherent body attributes.
What's the opposite of Physical in terms of books?
The opposite of a Physical book would be a digital or e-book.
Can Physically relate to emotions?
Yes, in contexts like "physically drained," it can describe the tangible impact of emotions.
How does Physical relate to physics?
Physical can describe properties or phenomena studied in the field of physics.
In what scenarios is Physically most commonly used?
Physically is often used to describe tangible experiences, presence, or states of being.
Can I use Physically and Physical interchangeably?
No, Physically is an adverb, and Physical is an adjective; their grammatical usage differs.
Can Physically be used to emphasize a point?
Yes, as in "physically impossible," to stress the tangible impossibility of an action.
Does Physical always mean tangible?
Mostly, but it can also relate to inherent characteristics or physics, not always touchable things.
If I'm talking about presence, should I use Physically or Physical?
For presence, you'd use Physically, as in "physically present."
Can Physical describe intangible concepts?
Generally no, Physical typically pertains to tangible, material things or attributes.
How do Physically and Physical differ in structure?
Physically is an adverb, modifying verbs or adjectives, while Physical is an adjective, modifying nouns.
Are there synonyms for Physical and Physically?
Yes, for Physical, synonyms include "tangible" or "bodily." For Physically, "bodily" or "materially" can be synonyms depending on context.
In sports, which word is more commonly used?
Both can be used: "physical strength" or "physically demanding."
Can Physical refer to appearance?
Yes, it can, as in "physical appearance," describing the tangible look of someone or something.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
