historically

Historically is an adverb used to refer to events, periods, or patterns in the past, or to indicate that a statement relates to history or historiography. It is commonly employed to frame claims about what occurred before the present or to compare past and present conditions. The term often accompanies data, narratives, or analyses that describe earlier times.

The word comes from history, via Old French histoire and Latin historia, with Greek istoria ultimately root. The suffix -ly forms the adverb; historically is placed near verbs to indicate past orientation. In modern usage, it typically introduces past-oriented statements and is distinct from historic (significant in history) and historical (relating to history).

In scholarly writing and journalism, historically is used to summarize long-term patterns or to anchor arguments in the historical record. It can soften conclusions by acknowledging that present conditions may differ from those observed earlier. The phrase historically speaking is common, and writers should beware overuse or vague references to the past without specific evidence.

See also history, historic, historical.