physically
Meaning
in a way that relates to the body or things you can touch and see
in a way that is real and can be seen or touched, not just imagined
Structure
Usage
he was physically exhausted after the marathon.
the two concepts are related but physically separate.
the document needs to be physically delivered to the office.
Etymology
the word 'physically' is built upon the ancient greek concept of 'physis', which encompassed the inherent nature, origin, and material substance of the world. this root entered english via latin and old french, evolving into 'physic' to denote the science of nature and the material body. the addition of the suffix '-al' created the adjective 'physical', specifying things pertaining to the material world or the human body. finally, the adverbial suffix '-ly' transforms it to describe actions performed in a bodily or material manner, completing the journey from an abstract philosophical principle to a concrete descriptor of tangible reality.
Analysis
- physic: from latin physica, from greek physis (nature). serves as the core root. - al: from latin -alis (adjective-forming suffix). indicates pertaining to. - ly: from old english -līc (adverb-forming suffix). indicates manner or quality.