physical examination: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “physical examination” mean?
A thorough assessment of the body by a healthcare professional to check overall health, detect medical conditions, or determine fitness.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thorough assessment of the body by a healthcare professional to check overall health, detect medical conditions, or determine fitness.
Can extend metaphorically to any systematic, detailed inspection or assessment of an object, system, or situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. In the US, sometimes shortened colloquially to 'physical' (e.g., 'get a physical'). In the UK, 'medical' or 'medical examination' is also commonly used, especially in occupational/insurance contexts.
Connotations
Neutral/clinical in both. Slightly more associated with school/occupational requirements in UK; more general preventative healthcare in US.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US English, where 'annual physical' is a common phrase.
Grammar
How to Use “physical examination” in a Sentence
to undergo/have a physical examinationto perform/conduct/carry out a physical examination on someonea physical examination for (purpose)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “physical examination” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The doctor will physically examine the patient.
- The recruit was physically examined by the army medic.
American English
- The physician physically examined my shoulder.
- All athletes must be physically examined before the season.
adverb
British English
- The patient was examined physically and mentally.
- The car was examined physically for damage.
American English
- The doctor assessed him physically first.
- You need to be checked physically and via blood tests.
adjective
British English
- The physical examination room is down the hall.
- We need your physical examination form completed.
American English
- The physical exam findings were normal.
- He had his physical examination paperwork with him.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Required for certain jobs, insurance applications, or as part of occupational health screenings.
Academic
Discussed in medical, nursing, and public health literature and training.
Everyday
Talking about doctor's visits, school sports requirements, or travel medical checks.
Technical
A specific, documented procedure following a standard protocol to assess vital signs, systems, and identify abnormalities.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “physical examination”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “physical examination”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “physical examination”
- Using 'physical' alone as a noun in very formal UK contexts (prefer 'medical'). Confusing 'physical examination' (by a doctor) with 'physical test' (e.g., fitness test).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are similar, but a 'physical examination' often implies a more formal, comprehensive, and documented procedure, while a 'check-up' can be more general and informal.
In American English, yes, especially informally (e.g., 'I have my annual physical tomorrow'). In British English, using 'physical' as a noun in this way is understood but less common than 'medical'.
It usually includes checking vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure), inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation of various body systems, and a review of medical history.
Primarily licensed healthcare professionals such as doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. The scope depends on their training and local regulations.
A thorough assessment of the body by a healthcare professional to check overall health, detect medical conditions, or determine fitness.
Physical examination is usually formal/technical in register.
Physical examination: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪzɪkəl ɪɡˌzæmɪˈneɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪzɪkəl ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pass/fail your physical (informal)”
- “get the all-clear (after an examination)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think PHYSICAL = body; EXAMINATION = close look. A 'body close look' by a doctor.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE (to be inspected for faults); HEALTH IS A CLEAN BILL (to be issued).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is LEAST likely to be a synonym for 'physical examination' in a formal medical report?