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

These storms may represent the last gasp of Southern California’s rainy season, which typically ends in April.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

Dalio has been advocating for investors to own gold for some time, often more than the up to 5% allocation typically recommended.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

While general managers have the right to choose musical directors independently, in practice they typically consult the orchestra to ensure that the musicians can work effectively with the director.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

The wireless carrier posted solid first-quarter earnings, hiked its guidance, and said it had added subscribers during what’s typically a tough period for the telecom industry.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Lawyers typically have little information about potential jurors, so their decisions to strike individual jurors tend to be based on nothing more than stereotypes, prejudices, and hunches.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Related Words

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