typically

American  

[tip-i-klee] / ˈtɪp ɪ kli /

adverb

1. in a way that serves as or conforms to a type.

   The study examines the eating patterns of both typically developing children and those who have intellectual or developmental delays.

2. commonly or characteristically.

   A Florida thunderstorm typically works like this: lightning and thunder, torrential rain, gusty winds, and then it’s all over in about 5 to 10 minutes.

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Other Word Forms

• nontypically adverb
• quasi-typically adverb
• untypically adverb

Etymology

Origin of typically

typical ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Use the adverb typically when something happens in a general or usual way. The winner of the Miss America pageant, for example, is typically a very tall, slender young woman with long hair. You might say that it typically takes a year to get a driver's license in your state — in other words, that's how long it takes as a general rule or on average. Or you could say that while you don't typically enjoy short stories, you read one recently that you can't get out of your mind. The adjective typical is at the root of typically, from the Late Latin typicus, "of a type," and the Greek typos, "impression."

Example Sentences

Many airlines around the world have had to take emergency measures to counter the rising cost of fuel, which typically makes up 20-40% of their operating costs.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The emphasis on efficiency and profitable growth from downsizing companies echoed the focus typically displayed by businesses gearing up for an initial public offering.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

They were the only actors-musicians of color in the room, listening in on conversations about how one should audition for musicals like “Once,” “Million Dollar Quartet,” which typically center white storylines.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

The House Ethics Committee exists, then, to take justice away from hotheads and into a fair process typically run by more levelheaded members, in total privacy.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

That was a typically French way to furnish a room.

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway

Related Words

• commonly
• consistently
• customarily
• frequently
• generally
• mostly
• naturally
• normally
• occasionally
• often
• ordinarily
• regularly
• routinely
• sometimes