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.

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

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