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

“In my 35 years of doing business, when I looked to partner with someone, I typically pick up the phone and have a conversation first,” Seyfert said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

These reports are typically generated by school administrators who have discretion over what gets filed but can face repercussions if an unreported incident later leads to problems.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

An RIA may make options trades, but they typically do so in a measured and strategic way, rather than aggressive — or even reckless — speculation.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

These kinds of changes are typically seen when genes responsible for maintaining cell shape are disrupted in other bacteria.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

With nearly eight hundred rooms and a vast, monolithic façade overlooking the Thames, the Cecil was Europe’s largest, if not grandest, hotel—a site typically reserved for diplomatic or national events.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Related Words

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