English Reference
Adverb

electrically

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ɪˈɫɛktɹɪkəɫi/ UK /ɪlˈɛktɹɪkli/ elec·tri·cal·ly

adv.in a way that uses or relates to electricity. You use this to describe how a machine is powered or how a signal is sent.

adv.by means of electricity or in a manner relating to electric power. Often describes the method of propulsion, operation, or communication within a system.


SIMPLE

The car is powered electrically.

CONTEXTUAL

Modern high-speed trains are powered electrically via overhead lines rather than using diesel engines.

COMPLEX

The researchers monitored how the neurons responded electrically to the stimulus, recording the precise voltage changes across the cell membrane over several milliseconds.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies or the past participle in passive constructions.

Researchers at Rice University have found that extremely small wrinkles in graphene can alter how the material behaves electrically.

ScienceDaily· 17 Aug 2026

The Adamawa Plateau and Cameroon Highlands force that air upward, creating some of the most electrically active thunderstorms on Earth.

The Conversation· 10 Aug 2026

From electric + -ally, electrical + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated