physically

adverb

phys·​i·​cal·​ly ˈfi-zi-k(ə-)lē 

1

: in a physical manner : in accord with physical laws

It seemed that such long distance flights would be physically impossible without a highly energy-efficient form of soaring.

—Henri Weimerskirch

2

: in respect to the body

a physically demanding job

Just two weeks before his death, Belushi was physically ejected from an L.A. convenience store at 2 a.m. when he insisted on buying liquor after hours.

—Peter Carlson

I loved it; but I was physically exhausted when I walked out of that studio on Sunday nights …

—Brent Musberger

Examples of physically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That figure sits at or near the theoretical ceiling imposed by the conduction velocity of myelinated nerve fibers — that is, the speed at which electrochemical signals can physically travel from a sensory surface to the cortex and return a motor response. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026

Harris also abducted the man’s girlfriend, who escaped physically unharmed. —Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 20 May 2026

Wharton is expected to start training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, but he can be taken off the list at any point before Week 1. —Mike Kaye updated May 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026

The work was physically challenging, due both to the unrelenting Saharan sun and the depth of the sediments. —Geoff Emberling, The Conversation, 19 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing physically

• hyper-physically
• physically distance
• physically ill