typically

American  

[tip-i-klee] / ˈtɪp ɪ kli /

adverb

1. 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.

2. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• nontypically adverb
• quasi-typically adverb
• untypically adverb

Etymology

Origin of typically

typical ( def. ) + -ly

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."

Example Sentences

The House Ethics Committee exists, then, to take justice away from hotheads and into a fair process typically run by more levelheaded members, in total privacy.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

These dividends typically apply to people with “whole life” policies, which cover someone for their entire life as long as premiums are paid on time.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

There are several factors driving the staggering heat, including a unyielding ridge of high pressure straddling Southern California and weaker-than-normal coastal winds, which typically drive upwelling along the coast.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Someone who lives and works in the UK on a visa would typically have to wait at least five years before an application for indefinite leave to remain can be made.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

“Um, Piper, don’t those typically crash and burn?” says Kwame.

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• commonly
• consistently
• customarily
• frequently
• generally
• mostly
• naturally
• normally
• occasionally
• often
• ordinarily
• regularly
• routinely
• sometimes