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Forensically: meaning, definitions and examples

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forensically

 

[ fəˈrɛn.zɪ.kli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

legal investigation

Forensically refers to methods and techniques related to the collection and analysis of evidence in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. This term usually implies a scientific approach to solving crimes, often incorporating various disciplines like biology, chemistry, and anthropology. In forensic science, evidence is meticulously gathered and examined to establish the facts of a case. The insights gained from forensic analysis can be critical in court, helping to establish guilt or innocence.

Synonyms

analytically, investigatively, scientifically

Examples of usage

  • The evidence was forensically analyzed to match the suspect's DNA.
  • Forensically trained professionals examined the crime scene for clues.
  • The report provided forensically relevant details about the weapon used.

Etymology

The term 'forensically' is derived from the Latin word 'forensis', which means 'of the forum' or 'public'. In ancient Roman times, forums were public spaces where legal matters were discussed and decided. The application of scientific principles to the legal and judicial fields emerged much later, particularly in the 19th century as forensic science began to develop. It was during this time that the methodologies for examining physical evidence gained prominence, leading to more systematic and scientific approaches in criminal investigations. By the 20th century, the term 'forensic' outgrew its original implications and came to broadly encompass all scientific techniques applied in the context of legal issues. As such, 'forensically' evolved to signify any activities related to the scientific analysis of evidence in legal settings.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,816, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.