What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bodily
Example
He suffered bodily injuries in the accident. [bodily: adjective]
Example
She expressed her emotions through bodily gestures. [bodily: adverb]
physical
Example
Regular physical exercise is important for maintaining good health. [physical: adjective]
Example
She enjoys participating in physical activities like hiking and swimming. [physical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Physical is more commonly used than bodily in everyday language. Physical is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while bodily is less common and tends to be used in more specific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bodily and physical?
While physical is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, bodily may sound more formal or technical due to its narrower usage and association with medical or legal terminology.
