physiologically
gb/fˌɪziəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkli/ us/fˌɪziəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C1
relation
1
in terms of bodily function
In a way that relates to how the body works.
Usage pattern:
physiologically, [clause]
Common mistake:
Often confused with physically (= relating to the body’s size/strength or to physical activity), not bodily functions.
Synonyms
biologically (More general; can include genetics and life processes beyond body function.)
|
in biological terms (A common paraphrase used in explanations.)
Antonyms
psychologically (From the perspective of the mind rather than the body.)
Collocations
physiologically normal
|physiologically different
|physiologically possible
|physiologically impossible
|physiologically relevant
|physiologically significant
|physiologically appropriate
|physiologically speaking
|physiologically based
|physiologically active
Themes
health
|biology
|science
Examples
- Physiologically, the body responds to stress by releasing hormones like cortisol.
- The two species are physiologically similar, but their behaviors are very different.
- Physiologically, it takes time for your heart rate to return to normal after intense exercise.
Learner examples
- Physiologically, I feel better after I sleep.
- Physiologically, caffeine can raise your heart rate.
adverb
formal
C2
process
2
by bodily processes, not choice
Because of automatic body reactions, not because you decide to.
Usage pattern:
[someone] reacts physiologically (to [something])
Common mistake:
Learners may use it where physically is expected (e.g., 'physiologically tired' is less common than 'physically tired').
Synonyms
automatically (Focuses on lack of conscious control, not specifically the body.)
|
involuntarily (Emphasizes that the reaction is not chosen.)
Antonyms
deliberately (Done by conscious choice rather than automatic bodily response.)
Collocations
react physiologically
|respond physiologically
|aroused physiologically
|triggered physiologically
|regulated physiologically
|adapt physiologically
|change physiologically
|measured physiologically
Themes
health
|body
|psychology
Examples
- Even when she tried to stay calm, her body reacted physiologically, with sweating and a fast heartbeat.
- He was physiologically aroused long before he admitted he was attracted.
- Some people respond physiologically to loud noises even if they know they are safe.
Learner examples
- My body reacts physiologically to stress.
- He responded physiologically to the cold.
Grammar
Dictionary form
physiologically
IPA
GB/fˌɪziəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkli/
US/fˌɪziəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkli/
Syllables & stress
physiolo - gic - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (ally)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: physiologically
- Plural: physiologicallies
Word family
Forms
physiologicallies
noun
Core family
physiology
noun C1
physiological
adjective C1
Related words
physiologist
noun
Advanced or less common
physiologic
adjective
Expressions
physiologically active
1/fˌɪziəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkli ˈæktɪv/
fixed phrase
technical
having an effect on the body
Able to change how the body works.
Examples
- Some plants contain physiologically active compounds that can be toxic.
- The supplement includes several physiologically active ingredients.
physiologically based
1/fˌɪziəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkli bˈeɪst/
fixed phrase
formal
grounded in body processes
Based on how the body works.
Examples
- The researchers proposed a physiologically based explanation for the symptoms.
- The lab built a physiologically based model of how the drug is processed.
physiologically speaking
1/fˌɪziəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
from a bodily-function view
Used to mean “if we talk about how the body works.”
Examples
- Physiologically speaking, dehydration can affect your mood and concentration.
- Physiologically speaking, the human body isn’t built for long periods without sleep.