bodily

[bod-l-ee]

adjective

1. of or relating to the body.

2. corporeal or material, as contrasted with spiritual or mental.

adverb

1. as a physical entity; as a complete physical unit.

   The tornado picked him up bodily and threw him against the wall.

2. in person.

   You have to appear bodily at the box office in order to have your reservation confirmed.

bodily

/ ˈbɒdɪlɪ /

adjective

1. relating to or being a part of the human body

adverb

1. by taking hold of the body

   he threw him bodily from the platform

2. in person; in the flesh

Other Word Forms

• nonbodily adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bodily¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, bodily is from the Middle English word bodylich. See body, -ly

Synonym Study

See physical.

Example Sentences

Former Royal Marine Commando Paul Doyle, 53, faces charges including causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving.

From BBC

A group of healthcare workers in Santa Barbara were fired on Wednesday after posting a video apparently showing patients’ bodily fluids on TikTok, according to their employer.

From Los Angeles Times

She pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury.

From Los Angeles Times

Jasveen Sangha, 42, pleaded guilty to five charges in Los Angeles on Wednesday, including one count of distributing ketamine resulting in death or bodily injury.

From BBC

Everything onscreen has been coated in graffiti, booze or bodily fluids.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• physical