Definition

Adverb 1. In a way that relates to the mind, mental processes, or emotions: Pertaining to the science of psychology or to the mental and emotional state of a person. 2. In a way that relates to or affects the mind or behavior: With regard to the psychological (as opposed to physical) aspects of a situation.

Usage Examples

• The event was very damaging to the child psychologically. (Meaning: The event caused significant mental or emotional harm to the child.)
• It is important to understand how people react psychologically to stress. (Meaning: It is important to understand the mental and emotional reactions to stress.)
• The prisoners were tortured both physically and psychologically. (Meaning: The harm inflicted was to both their bodies and their minds.)
• She prepared herself psychologically for the difficult conversation. (Meaning: She mentally and emotionally prepared herself.)

Advanced Usage

• "To classify something psychologically": To analyze, categorize, or explain something using the principles or framework of psychology.
  • Example: One can classify different forms of art psychologically, examining the creator's unconscious motives.
• Used to contrast mental/emotional effects with physical ones.
  • Example: The accident left him scarred physically, but he was even more wounded psychologically.

Variants and Related Words

• Psychological (adjective): Of, affecting, or arising in the mind; related to psychology.
  • Example: He is studying the psychological effects of social media.
• Psychology (noun): The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior.
  • Example: She has a degree in clinical psychology.

Synonyms

• Mentally
• Emotionally
• Internally (in the context of mental state)

Notes on Meaning

The adverb "psychologically" is primarily used to specify that an action, effect, or perspective pertains to the mental and emotional realm. It often appears in contexts contrasting mind and body (e.g., "physically and psychologically") or when describing the internal, non-physical impact of an event.

Adverb

1. in terms of psychology
   • classify poetry psychologically
2. with regard to psychology
   • war that caught them in its toils either psychologically or physically
   • the event was very damaging to the child psychologically