typically
Americanadverb
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in a way that serves as or conforms to a type.
The study examines the eating patterns of both typically developing children and those who have intellectual or developmental delays.
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commonly or characteristically.
A Florida thunderstorm typically works like this: lightning and thunder, torrential rain, gusty winds, and then it’s all over in about 5 to 10 minutes.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of typically
Explanation
Use the adverb typically when something happens in a general or usual way. The winner of the Miss America pageant, for example, is typically a very tall, slender young woman with long hair. You might say that it typically takes a year to get a driver's license in your state — in other words, that's how long it takes as a general rule or on average. Or you could say that while you don't typically enjoy short stories, you read one recently that you can't get out of your mind. The adjective typical is at the root of typically, from the Late Latin typicus, "of a type," and the Greek typos, "impression."
Vocabulary lists containing typically
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The characterization departs from how political scientists typically define communism, which is generally understood as an ideology centered on collective ownership of the means of production and the elimination of private ownership of productive assets.
From Salon • Jun. 27, 2026
The combined spending in the past two quarters on AI-related equipment even padded GDP more than consumer spending, typically the main conduit by which the economy grows.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 27, 2026
Such activity typically destroys delicate microbial textures before they can be preserved.
From Science Daily • Jun. 26, 2026
The Tories also want to ensure more reservists complete their minimum training days, which typically number 19 or 27 days.
From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026
The men would stay there all week or perhaps even two, typically rooming with relatives or other Colored families, who would open their homes and charge for rooms and meals.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
