physical science: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2academic/educational
Quick answer
What does “physical science” mean?
A branch of science that studies non-living systems, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth sciences.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A branch of science that studies non-living systems, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth sciences.
Sometimes used more broadly to refer to sciences based on quantitative measurements and fundamental laws of matter and energy, excluding biological sciences. In some educational contexts, it refers specifically to introductory courses covering basic principles of physics and chemistry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. In UK secondary education, it might be part of 'combined science' GCSE, while US high schools often have 'physical science' as a distinct course.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in everyday UK speech; more commonly used in specific course titles in US education.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US educational contexts; slightly less common in general UK discourse outside academia.
Grammar
How to Use “physical science” in a Sentence
NOUN + of + physical sciencephysical science + VERBADJECTIVE + physical scienceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “physical science” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to physical science at university.
- They physical science the properties of materials.
American English
- He wants to physical science in college.
- We physical science various phenomena in the lab.
adverb
British English
- The research was conducted physical scientifically.
- He approaches problems physical scientifically.
American English
- She thinks very physical scientifically.
- They analyzed the data physical scientifically.
adjective
British English
- The physical science department is in the new building.
- She has a physical science background.
American English
- He's taking physical science courses this semester.
- The physical science lab is well-equipped.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in contexts like 'physical science research funding' or 'physical science patents.'
Academic
Common in course titles, department names, research classifications, and academic discourse distinguishing scientific disciplines.
Everyday
Limited; mostly used when discussing education, school subjects, or career choices.
Technical
Precise classification in scientific taxonomy; used in funding applications, journal categorizations, and institutional structures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “physical science”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “physical science”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “physical science”
- Using 'physical science' to include biology.
- Misspelling as 'phisical science'.
- Confusing with 'physical education'.
- Using plural 'physical sciences' when referring to the singular field.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, biology is a life science. Physical science focuses on non-living systems.
Natural science often includes both physical and life sciences, while physical science specifically excludes biological subjects.
Yes, 'physical sciences' is the plural form referring to the collection of disciplines (physics, chemistry, etc.), while 'physical science' can refer to the field as a whole.
No, mathematics is generally considered a formal science, separate from physical sciences which are empirical.
A branch of science that studies non-living systems, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth sciences.
Physical science is usually academic/educational in register.
Physical science: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪzɪkəl ˈsaɪəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪzɪkəl ˈsaɪəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the laws of physical science”
- “the realm of physical science”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think PHYSICAL = about matter and energy (physics) + SCIENCE = systematic study. It's the science of the physical world, not living things.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCIENCE AS EXPLORATION (exploring the physical universe), KNOWLEDGE AS BUILDING (building understanding of natural laws).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT typically considered a physical science?