Bodily
/ˈbɒdəli/
adverbBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meanings
Questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
Involving or affecting the whole body.
/ˈbɒdəli/
adverbneutralBeginner
General
Relating to the body
She moved bodily to avoid the falling object.
💡 Simply: With the whole body
More Examples
2
The pain spread bodily across his chest.
How It's Used
General
"He was bodily thrown from the horse."
Medical
"The patient experienced bodily harm."
2
Of or relating to the body; physical.
/ˈbɒdəli/
adjectiveneutralBeginner
General
Relating to the physical body
Bodily fluids should be handled with care.
💡 Simply: Physical; related to the body
More Examples
2
He felt a bodily tremor.
How It's Used
Medical
"Bodily functions are essential for survival."
Tip:Think of it as describing something directly related to the body.
From Middle English *bodilich, from Old English *bodlic, from *bodi 'body'.
Historically, 'bodily' was used more frequently in legal and medical contexts.
Memory tip
Think 'body' + 'ly' (adverb suffix)
Practice
bodylybodilyly
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written