physical

The word "physical" can be used as an adjective or as a noun to refer to a person’s body:

• Walter went to the doctor for a physical. (physical = exam)
• Tanya is a person who believes strongly in good physical fitness.
• After his accident, Juan needed physical therapy to recover strength in his legs.
• A person with a physical challenge may need to use a wheelchair in order to get around.

The word "physical" is also used to describe something that exists in reality:

• The onset of rust is a physical change in steel.
• The physical structure of the building was undermined by an earthquake.
• Our understanding of the physical universe has had a big impact on the quality of our lives over the last few hundred years.
• A person who is interested in physical science knows a lot about math and physics.
• We used an actual, physical map instead of the one that’s on the phone.

He has a strong interest in physical science.

The word "physically" is an adverb:

• Tanya is very physically fit.
• A person who is physically disabled may use a specially designated parking space.
• A child who is physically abused by a parent may also suffer mentally.

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This page was published on July 20, 2017.