Word
historically
Phoneticshis·tor·i·cal·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/hɪˈstɔɹɪkəɫi/
UK/hɪstˈɒɹɪkli/
Adverb of time
Definitions
01in the past
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to describe what happened or was true in the past over a long time.
adv. referring to past events or conditions, often indicating a long-standing tradition or a consistent pattern over time.
“Historically, this valley was used for farming, but now it is full of houses.”
“Historically, the two nations have maintained a complex relationship characterized by both intense economic cooperation and periodic border disputes.”
Usage
Often placed at the beginning of a sentence to set the time frame.
Synonyms
02regarding history
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adv. looking at something from the point of view of history.
adv. with reference to the study of history or the historical record.
“The book is not historically accurate, but it is a fun story.”
“The film was criticized for being historically inaccurate, particularly regarding the costumes and the timeline of the royal succession.”
Usage
Common in academic writing to distinguish a historical perspective from a modern one.
Synonyms
03to an extreme degree
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. used to say that something is at its highest or lowest level ever.
adv. to an unprecedented degree in comparison with all previous recorded data.
“Interest rates are historically low right now, so it is a good time to buy a house.”
“The region experienced historically high rainfall this autumn, leading to widespread flooding that overwhelmed the existing drainage infrastructure.”
Usage
Frequently used with adjectives like 'low', 'high', or 'significant'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“What has become a historically hot summer of wildfires has contributed to the deaths of thousands of people.” “Repeat heatwaves and drought have fuelled a historically hot summer of wildfires, and contributed to the deaths of thousands of people.” “Historically, more than 90% of drugs that clear animal testing go on to fail in human trials, raising questions about the value of the tests.” “As a result, arabica prices peaked last year above $4 (£2.97) per pound of green beans, up from about $1.20 historically.” Etymology
From historical + -ly or historic + -ally.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/historically