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

“Fraud historically does not get the attention it deserves, so I’m glad to see a national spotlight on this pervasive problem,” Davis said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

The Texan artist revives the old-time western song on this appealing and historically minded album of vintage verse set to music.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

He wrote in a research note that Disney stock “remains historically cheap even in some of the more draconian scenarios.”

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

They added that while historically, visitors "turned up with hard-boiled eggs, more recently these are often switched for chocolate eggs to be rolled down the hill".

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The first step along that road was to leave his new bride and his homeland to attend Lincoln University, a historically black college in Pennsylvania.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore