historically

[hi-stawr-ik-lee, -stor-]

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.

Other Word Forms

• antihistorically adverb
• nonhistorically adverb
• pseudohistorically adverb
• quasi-historically adverb
• semihistorically adverb
• superhistorically adverb
• unhistorically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of historically¹

First recorded in 1530–40; historical ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

The S&P 500 External link has historically risen over the stretch that kicks off the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and ends one week after Black Friday.

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The period between Thanksgiving and the end of the year has historically been a tricky one for airline stocks—at least before the record-breaking holiday seasons of 2023 and 2024.

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But the good news for stocks is that “historically, profit margins have shown a strong positive correlation with fiscal deficits, with a roughly one-year lead — higher deficits tend to precede higher margins,” they say.

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Chaparral ecosystems, including the shrubby plants and oak trees that cover the Santa Monica Mountains, have historically experienced fire every 30 to 130 years — primarily due to lightning strikes.

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Thanksgiving week—which includes trading sessions directly before and after the holiday—has historically been a period of stock market gains.

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