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. )

Explanation

Anything that has happened historically has been going on for a long time. A historically accurate picture of a time portrays it just right. If your model of a 1950’s soda shop is historically accurate, your grandmother will love it. Historically refers to things that have happened throughout history or somehow relate to history. If something is historically very difficult, then it’s been hard to do for a long time. Historically, nations have gone to war over oil. Wilt Chamberlain played historically well, scoring 100 points in a basketball game. As the first black President, Barack Obama is historically significant.

Example Sentences

Even jumping in on the first day of public trading hasn’t historically been the best idea for small-dollar investors.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

The visit will come after a trip to Spain in June, demonstrating the pope's interest in engaging with historically Catholic but increasingly secular European countries which had been largely overlooked by his predecessor, Francis.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has, historically, been very public about his concerns about what is plaguing the nation’s well-being.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

“These entertainers have historically been more than just hosts, but in many ways served as the face of their networks,” he said.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

In fact, acceptance of cognitive egalitarianism means they cannot think historically, for a cognitive egalitarian cannot explain why, to take but one example, we no longer believe that swallows overwinter in ponds.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton