Word
optically
Phoneticsop·ti·cal·ly
US/ˈɑptɪkɫi/
UK/ˈɒptɪkli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that relates to how light works or how things look. You use this when talking about how light travels or how a lens changes an image.
adv. in a manner relating to the properties of light or the science of vision. Often describes the behavior of light as it interacts with materials or the performance of optical instruments.
Examples
“The new glasses are optically perfect.”
“The scientist studied how the material reacts optically when exposed to different wavelengths of light.”
“While the lens is optically superior, its physical weight makes it impractical for handheld photography in low-light conditions.”
Examples
simple
“The new glasses are optically perfect.”
contextual
“The scientist studied how the material reacts optically when exposed to different wavelengths of light.”
complex
“While the lens is optically superior, its physical weight makes it impractical for handheld photography in low-light conditions.”
Real-World Examples
“Roman was designed to remain optically stable while rapidly moving from one observation to another.” “When an intense XUV laser pulse passes through an optically dense medium—such as an atomic gas—it quickly excites and de-excites the atoms' energy levels.” Etymology
From optical + -ly.
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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/optically