physiological
gb/fˌɪziəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkəl/ us/fˌɪziəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkəl/
C1
English
~ 7000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
technical
C1
property
1
relating to body functions
About how the body or another living thing normally works inside.
Usage pattern:
physiological [process / change / response / needs]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse 'physiological' with 'psychological'. 'Physiological' refers to the body and its functions (heart rate, breathing, hormones), while 'psychological' refers to the mind and emotions (thoughts, feelings, mental health). Learners may also use 'physical' when they mean 'physiological': 'physical' is broader and includes anything related to the body or material world, while 'physiological' focuses on internal body processes.
Synonyms
bodily (More general and less technical; often used in everyday speech instead of the more scientific 'physiological'.)
|
biological (Refers broadly to life and living things; 'physiological' is more specific to how the body functions.)
|
somatic (A technical term mainly in medical or psychological contexts; similar meaning but less common in general use.)
Antonyms
psychological (Describes the mind and mental processes, contrasting with 'physiological', which concerns the body and its functions.)
Collocations
physiological response
|physiological changes
|physiological needs
|physiological effects
|physiological function
|physiological stress
Themes
science
|medicine
|health
|biology
|body
Examples
- Stress can trigger a range of physiological responses, such as increased heart rate and sweating.
- Regular exercise leads to positive physiological changes in the heart and muscles.
- The study examined the physiological effects of sleep deprivation on reaction time.
- Basic physiological needs, like food and water, must be met before higher goals can be pursued.
- Doctors monitored the patient's physiological functions closely during the operation.
Learner examples
- Strong fear can cause a clear physiological change in your body.
- Good sleep is important for many physiological processes.
- The doctor explained the physiological reasons for my fast heartbeat.
- Scientists study physiological systems to understand how the body works.
- We must meet our physiological needs before we can feel safe and relaxed.
Grammar
Dictionary form
physiological
IPA
GB/fˌɪziəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkəl/
US/fˌɪziəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkəl/
Syllables & stress
physiolo - gic - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (al)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: physiological
Word family
Core family
physiology
noun C1
physiologically
adverb C1
Related words
physiologist
noun
Advanced or less common
physiologic
adjective
Expressions
physiological needs
1/fˌɪziəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkəl nˈidz/
fixed phrase
technical
basic bodily survival needs
The basic things the body needs to live and stay healthy, such as air, water, food, sleep, and rest.
Examples
- According to Maslow, physiological needs like food and sleep must be satisfied before people can focus on higher goals.
- Refugee camps must first provide clean water and shelter to meet people's physiological needs.
- If physiological needs are not met, it is hard to concentrate on work or study.
physiological response
1/fˌɪziəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkəl ɹɪspˈɑns/
fixed phrase
technical
automatic reaction in the body
A change in the body that happens automatically when something affects you, such as faster heartbeat, sweating, or hormone changes.
Examples
- Sweating is a normal physiological response to high temperature.
- The researchers measured the participants' physiological responses to stress, including heart rate and blood pressure.
- Anxiety often involves both emotional feelings and physiological responses in the body.