Historically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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historically

[hɪsˈtɔːrɪkli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in history

Historically refers to something that is related to history or is significant in the past. It is often used to discuss events, trends, or patterns that have occurred over time and their relevance to the current context.

Synonyms

formerly, previously, traditionally.

Examples of usage

  • Historically, this region was known for its trade routes.
  • The event is historically significant for its impact on democracy.
  • Historically, women have played a vital role in social movements.

Translations

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Origin of 'historically'

The word 'historically' is derived from the adjective 'historic', which comes from the Greek word 'historikos', meaning 'of history, historical; learned'—a term used to relate to history or a future history. The root 'historia' translates to 'inquiry, knowledge acquired by investigation'. The use of 'historically' began to appear in the early 19th century as scholars and society became increasingly interested in the methods of documenting and analyzing past events. This reflected the broader intellectual movement of the time, which sought to understand human civilization through a detailed study of its progression and setbacks. Since then, 'historically' has become a vital part of academic and educational discourse, often used in various contexts such as sociology, anthropology, and political science to analyze historical trends and their implications in today’s society.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,759 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.