historically
Americanadverb
-
in the past, especially typically or routinely.
Although historically very active as a volunteer, he’s had to cut back since his stroke.
-
in a way that relates to significant past events, especially as chronicled in an accepted narrative.
Only the naive, gullible, and historically ignorant will believe this nonsense.
Make sure your argument is historically accurate.
-
in a way or to a degree that is particularly notable or unique in history or has significantly affected the development of past events.
This is the time to sell a business quickly and easily, while interest rates are still historically low.
-
in a way that is based on or reconstructed from an event, custom, style, etc., in the past.
The film historically reenacts the 442nd Regiment's triumphant rescue of the 36th Texas Division in the Vosges Mountains.
-
in a way that involves life or existence in the real world, as opposed to legend, myth, or fiction.
Many of the stories may not be historically true, but they are nonetheless ethically true.
-
in a way that involves comparing several periods of development of a thing.
Each institution, such as family, education, or market, can be studied historically to see how it has evolved over time.
Other Word Forms
- antihistorically adverb
- nonhistorically adverb
- pseudohistorically adverb
- quasi-historically adverb
- semihistorically adverb
- superhistorically adverb
- unhistorically adverb
Etymology
Origin of historically
First recorded in 1530–40; historical ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It's historically been a position where there isn't an abundance of players so it's not a huge surprise."
From BBC
Unlike formal declarations of war that historically required approval from Congress under Article I of the U.S.
From Salon
Consumer confidence improved slightly in February, but is still down by almost 9% from a year ago and remains at historically low levels, according to the latest report, released this past week.
From Barron's
Hollywood, which hasn’t historically been home to apparel companies, is now attracting the offices of fashion retailers, says CIM Group, one of the neighborhood’s largest commercial property landlords.
From Los Angeles Times
Such heated disagreements historically have been considered healthy at the company, where “Have Backbone” and “Disagree and Commit” are among the company’s leadership principles.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
