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.
People typically associate Social Security benefits with retirement age, but the program offers so much more, including benefits for spouses, children and even parents when the person of record dies.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 18, 2026
The investment from institutional investors such as Wellington Management—which are typically more risk-averse and longer-term holders—is a testament to the staying power of companies like Baseten, investors said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026
Inclusion rules, set and enforced by each index provider, typically demand that companies trade publicly for about a year before admission.
From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026
The price of Ram - typically one of the cheapest computer components - has more than doubled since October 2025.
From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026
His former employer described him as "a thoroughly wholesome, typically American boy" with a "modest demeanor."
From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple
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.
