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Meaning & use

historically

adverb·Academic

Last updated

UK/hɪˈstɒrɪkli/
US/hɪˈstɔːrɪkli/

Meanings

  1. adverbnot comparable

    Over the course of the past, or when looking at what generally happened before now.

    Grammar: Often placed at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma, to introduce a claim about the past.

    Patterns

    • historically, ...
    • historically speaking
    • historically important

    Historically, this region has relied on farming rather than industry.

    Tea has historically been more popular than coffee in Britain.

    Historically speaking, the country has rarely gone to war with its neighbors.

  2. adverbnot comparable

    In a way that is connected with the study of history, or as a matter of recorded past events.

    Grammar: Modifies an adjective or a verb: historically accurate, historically significant.

    Patterns

    • historically accurate/inaccurate
    • historically significant

    The film is historically accurate in its costumes and settings.

    The treaty was historically important because it ended a long conflict.

    The village is historically linked to the wool trade.

Common combinations

historically accurate
The novel is historically accurate in most details.
historically significant
The old bridge is historically significant and cannot be torn down.
historically speaking
Historically speaking, this was an unusually calm year.
historically low
Interest rates remain historically low.
historically been
Women have historically been excluded from many professions.

Synonyms and how they differ

traditionally
Traditionally refers to customs passed down, while historically refers to what is recorded to have happened.
in the past
In the past is simpler and less formal, and it carries no suggestion of studying the evidence.
formerly
Formerly describes one earlier state that has since changed, while historically covers a long span of time.

Opposites

currentlyrecently

Word family

history noun
the study or record of the past
historic adjective
important in history, such as a historic victory
historical adjective
relating to the past or to history as a subject
historian noun
a person who studies the past

Commonly confused: historically or hysterically?

historically vs hysterically

Hysterically means in an uncontrolled, emotional way, and is a different word despite looking similar.

Practice

Choose the best word: 'The river has ___ flooded every spring, so the farmers are well prepared.'

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “historically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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