Words / B1

hi-STOR-ikl-ee/hɪˈstɒrɪkli/

Historically means in history or from a historical point of view: historically a mill town; historically low. Historical is the adjective (already in the dictionary). In the past is everyday. Historically is not the same as historic (famous/important). Towns historically mill centres before a plant closed.

Meaning

In a way that relates to the past; in history.

Examples

• “The town was historically a mill centre before the plant closed.”
• “Interest rates are historically low, which is the “compared with the past” sense.”

Good to know

historically + adjective / noun complement. Adjective: historical. Mix-up: historic (important). Everyday: in the past. Local economy essays.

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