psychologically
gb/sˌaɪkəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkli/ us/sˌaɪkəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
B2
property
1
in a way affecting the mind
In a way that affects your mind or feelings.
Usage pattern:
psychologically + [adjective]; be psychologically [adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this where simple mentally is more natural in casual speech, or confuse it with psychiatrically (medical treatment context).
Synonyms
mentally (More common and less formal.)
|
emotionally (Focuses more on feelings than the mind in general.)
Antonyms
physically (Concerns the body rather than the mind.)
Collocations
psychologically difficult
|psychologically hard
|psychologically demanding
|psychologically harmful
|psychologically damaging
|psychologically exhausting
|psychologically safe
|psychologically prepared
|psychologically ready
|psychologically resilient
Themes
health
|emotions
|psychology
Examples
- Working from home can be psychologically isolating for some people.
- The constant criticism was psychologically damaging.
- Athletes have to be psychologically ready for big matches.
Learner examples
- I was psychologically tired after the exam.
- The movie was psychologically scary for me.
adverb
formal
C1
relation
2
from psychology’s point of view
From the point of view of psychology.
Usage pattern:
Psychologically, [clause]; analyze [something] psychologically
Common mistake:
Learners may place the adverb awkwardly; it is often used at the start of a sentence (Psychologically, ...) or after a verb (explain/analyze ... psychologically).
Synonyms
theoretically (Broader; not limited to psychology.)
|
clinically (Often implies medical/therapeutic context rather than general psychological analysis.)
Antonyms
practically (Focuses on real-world action rather than theoretical explanation.)
Collocations
psychologically, it suggests
|psychologically, this means
|psychologically, we respond
|explain psychologically
|analyze psychologically
|understand psychologically
|view psychologically
|psychologically oriented
|psychologically informed
|psychologically based
Themes
education
|psychology
|research
Examples
- Psychologically, the urge to fit in is very powerful.
- The book approaches addiction psychologically rather than morally.
- Researchers are trying to explain the behavior psychologically.
Learner examples
- Psychologically, people like to feel safe.
- We can understand this problem psychologically.
Grammar
Dictionary form
psychologically
IPA
GB/sˌaɪkəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkli/
US/sˌaɪkəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkli/
Syllables & stress
psy - cho - lo - gic - ally (5 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (lo)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: psychologically
- Plural: psychologicallies
Word family
Forms
psychologicallies
noun
Core family
Related words
psychiatry
noun B2
psychiatrist
noun B2
psychiatric
adjective B2
psychotherapy
noun C1
psychotherapist
noun
Advanced or less common
psychoanalysis
noun
psychoanalytic
adjective
psychosis
noun
psychotic
adjective
Expressions
psychologically speaking
1/sˌaɪkəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
from a psychological viewpoint
From the point of view of psychology.
Examples
- Psychologically speaking, rewards work better than punishment for many children.
- Psychologically speaking, uncertainty can feel worse than bad news.
- Psychologically speaking, the first impression sets expectations.