Physical describes anything related to the body or to material things that can be touched, seen, or measured, as opposed to thoughts or feelings.
From Latin 'physica' meaning 'natural science', from Greek 'physikos' meaning 'of nature', from 'physis' meaning 'nature'. It shifted in English from 'natural' to 'of the body' or 'material'.
When we say something is 'physical', we’re really saying it obeys the laws of nature that physics studies. Even your thoughts have a physical side, because they depend on electrical and chemical activity in your brain.
"Physical" has been used in gendered ways, such as assuming men’s physicality in sports or labor and sexualizing women when describing their "physical" attributes. Medical and fitness discourses have also historically centered male bodies as the default physical norm.
Be specific about context (e.g., "physical strength," "physical exam") and avoid gendered assumptions about who is or is not physical. In sexual contexts, prioritize consent-focused, non-objectifying language.
["bodily","material","tangible","somatic"]
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