unphysically
|un-phys-i-cal-ly|
/ˌʌnˈfɪzɪkli/
(unphysical)
not in a physical way / contrary to physical laws
Etymology
'unphysically' is formed in English by the prefix 'un-' (from Old English 'un-', meaning 'not') attached to 'physical' + the adverbial suffix '-ly'; 'physical' itself ultimately derives from Greek 'phusis'/'physis' meaning 'nature'.
'physical' entered English via Latin 'physicus' and Old French, from Greek 'phusikos' (related to 'physis' meaning 'nature'); the negative prefix 'un-' is from Old English, and the adverbial suffix '-ly' developed from Old English adjectival/adverbial endings, producing 'unphysical' and then 'unphysically'.
Originally components meant 'not' (un-) + 'pertaining to nature' (physical); over time the combined form has come to mean 'not in a physical way' or 'contrary to physical laws' in modern English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that is not physical; not relating to the body, material reality, or physical properties.
The poet described emotions unphysically, as if they floated outside the body.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adverb 2
in a way that defies or contradicts the laws or expectations of physics; physically impossible or unrealistic.
Under those simulation settings the particles behaved unphysically, violating energy conservation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/14 00:14