historically

[hi-stawr-ik-lee, -stor-]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

in the past, especially typically or routinely.
Although historically very active as a volunteer, he’s had to cut back since his stroke.
in a way that relates to significant past events, especially as chronicled in an accepted narrative.
Only the naive, gullible, and historically ignorant will believe this nonsense.
Make sure your argument is historically accurate.
in a way or to a degree that is particularly notable or unique in history or has significantly affected the development of past events.
This is the time to sell a business quickly and easily, while interest rates are still historically low.
in a way that is based on or reconstructed from an event, custom, style, etc., in the past.
The film historically reenacts the 442nd Regiment's triumphant rescue of the 36th Texas Division in the Vosges Mountains.
in a way that involves life or existence in the real world, as opposed to legend, myth, or fiction.
Many of the stories may not be historically true, but they are nonetheless ethically true.
in a way that involves comparing several periods of development of a thing.
Each institution, such as family, education, or market, can be studied historically to see how it has evolved over time.

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Other Word Forms

antihistorically adverb
nonhistorically adverb
pseudohistorically adverb
quasi-historically adverb
semihistorically adverb
superhistorically adverb
unhistorically adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of historically¹

First recorded in 1530–40; historical ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But arming Australia has historically been viewed by Washington and Downing Street as essential to preserving peace in the Asia-Pacific region, which is far from their own.

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But arming Australia has historically been viewed by Washington and Downing Street as essential to preserving peace in a region they themselves aren't a part of.

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The site, even in its current state, remains architecturally and historically significant.

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Since assuming office, the president has drastically reduced illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border to historically low levels.

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These figures have historically been an important benchmark for how well Scotland is doing in reducing its impact on climate change.

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historical linguistics historical materialism

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