adjective
physical
Relating to material things rather than abstract ideas.
A blueprint is a plan, not the physical building itself.
Etymology
Greek physikos means natural, from the study of nature. The modern adjective applies that natural-world connection to material things that exist apart from abstract thought.
More examples
- Investigators need physical evidence, not just a theory.
- The tables take up most of the room's physical space.
- Density is a physical property of matter.
Forms
physical
physically adverb — In material form rather than abstractly.