historically
gb/hɪstˈɔɹɪkli/ us/hɪstˈɔɹɪkli/
B1
English
~ 4800
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
relation
1
in relation to past events
In a way that is about things that happened in the past.
Usage pattern:
historically, [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'historically' with 'historic'; 'historic' means very important in history, while 'historically' describes something related to history.
Synonyms
traditionally (Implies long-standing customs rather than factual past events.)
|
in the past (More casual and less formal way to indicate earlier times.)
Antonyms
currently (Refers to the present time, opposite of past-focused.)
|
presently (Means happening now, not in the past.)
Collocations
historically accurate
|historically significant
|historically important
|historically documented
Themes
history
|culture
|education
|time
Examples
- Historically, this region has been known for its wine production.
- The two countries have historically had close ties.
- Historically, women had fewer opportunities for education.
Learner examples
- Historically, people traveled by horse.
- Historically, kings had much power.
- Historically, this city was very small.
adverb
formal
B2
relation
2
true for most of history
Used to say something has been true for a long time in the past.
Usage pattern:
historically, [something] [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'historically' when they mean 'once' for a single event; 'historically' refers to patterns over time.
Synonyms
typically (Means 'normally' but without the historical focus.)
|
traditionally (Emphasizes customs or norms rather than factual patterns.)
Antonyms
recently (Refers to a short time ago, opposite of 'over a long history'.)
Collocations
historically dominant
|historically marginalized
|historically wealthy
Themes
history
|society
|time
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Historically, men held most political power.
- Historically, the town relied on fishing as its main industry.
- Historically, literacy rates were low in rural areas.
Learner examples
- Historically, farmers worked very hard.
- Historically, people lived in small villages.
- Historically, few people could read.
Grammar
Dictionary form
historically
IPA
GB/hɪstˈɔɹɪkli/
US/hɪstˈɔɹɪkli/
Syllables & stress
his - tor - ic - ally (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tor)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: historically
- Plural: historicallies
Word family
Forms
historicallies
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
ahistorical
adjective
Expressions
as historically documented
1/ˈæz hɪstˈɔɹɪkli dˈɑkjəmɛntɪd/
fixed phrase
formal
as recorded in historical records
As written or shown in historical records or books.
Examples
- As historically documented, the treaty was signed in 1820.
- The battle happened in spring, as historically documented.
historically speaking
1/hɪstˈɔɹɪkli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
considering events in the past
Used to say you are talking about things from the past.
Examples
- Historically speaking, this law has been difficult to enforce.
- Historically speaking, our city has always been a center of trade.