typically
Americanadverb
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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.
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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.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of typically
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."
Vocabulary lists containing typically
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.
As former Fed Chair Jerome Powell said at his March press conference, central bankers typically look through temporary energy shocks when setting interest rates.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026
The city typically publishes an annual tax roll of all property owners, and real-estate attorneys say the information included is par for the course.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
Administration policy changes typically require a lengthy internal review period and time for public comment.
From Slate ● Jul. 28, 2026
But typically, he said, there is a set process for getting contracts completed that gives him assurance that it will ultimately happen.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
Each worker typically received two outfits a year—cotton for the summer and a mixture of cotton and wool for winter.
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
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.
