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

Rallies like the one Brazilian stocks have enjoyed this year don’t historically last long.

From Barron's

Ms Maiklem has written four books about mudlarking, which was historically a trade of poor Victorians and is now a popular hobby involving unearthing historical artefacts from the silt on river banks.

From BBC

“I think ‘Wuthering Heights’ will be our litmus test to see if method dressing will spill over into historically inspired garments,” says Bretaña.

From Los Angeles Times

When times are tough, meatpackers historically close facilities and keep them idle for years rather than sell to a competitor and cede market share.

From The Wall Street Journal

In July, it introduced a collection influenced by Oak Bluffs, the historically Black community on Martha’s Vineyard.

From The Wall Street Journal