historically

adverb

his·​tor·​i·​cal·​ly hi-ˈstȯr-i-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈstär-

1

: in accordance with or with respect to history

a historically accurate account

2

: in the past

Historically, stagnant cities seldom have recovered …

—Jane Jacobs

Examples of historically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Supplies of fuel remain historically tight because three of the four global refining hubs are in severe distress. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Its analysis suggests a CPI rate above 3% has historically corresponded with more than 100 basis points of tightening during the first year of Fed hiking cycles. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

Voter turnout has historically been significantly lower during primary elections than during general elections. — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

State socialism is something very different, has historically been associated with countries moving toward or embracing communism, and is not endorsed by any candidate in the Democratic Party. — Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1