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.
Workplace plans typically cost less for basic coverage, but Medicare often gives beneficiaries greater freedom to pick doctors and no surprises on expenses.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026
Schneider said the deal is priced at 13 times earnings once synergies are included, though most of that is from projected revenue synergies, which are typically harder to realize.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 5, 2026
Standard care typically combines surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 4, 2026
Snowden said most people scored below five, while 25 or over was typically the threshold for psychopathy.
From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2026
Soviet fighter pilots were alone in their single-seat planes, but they typically flew in pairs.
From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein
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.
