historically

American  

[hi-stawr-ik-lee, -stor-] / hɪˈstɔr ɪk li, -ˈstɒr- /

adverb

1. in the past, especially typically or routinely.

   Although historically very active as a volunteer, he’s had to cut back since his stroke.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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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

One reason the FDE model has historically been unappetizing to tech companies is that it’s expensive, D.A.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Tech was the hardest hit, though transportation and healthcare also posted historically elevated first-quarter totals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

But historically asset prices are more likely to be casualties of economic recessions already under way, rather than causes thereof.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The latest pullbacks have come with the stock market percolating along at historically generous valuations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Important historically, these were the free people encountered by France and Britain—personifications of democratic self-government so vivid that some historians and activists have argued that the Great Law of Peace directly inspired the U.S.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann