historically
historically — adverb
1. based on how the past is studied or interpreted by scholars — for example, calli
based on how the past is studied or interpreted by scholars — for example, calling a document historically important because it helps experts understand an earlier time.
Historically, the treaty is considered a turning point in relations between the two neighboring countries.
Historically + passive (be considered)
The old letters are historically valuable because they describe trade between Asia and Europe.
historically + adjective (valuable)
Saira argued that the film is not historically accurate and adds too many imagined scenes.
Historically speaking, the 1850 census records do not support the claim that fur traders founded the town.
The museum's new exhibition presents historically significant artifacts from the Ming dynasty.
- from a historical perspective
longer phrase, same meaning
- in historical terms
interchangeable in academic contexts
文法句型
Historically, + clause
historically + adjective
用法筆記
Often placed before an adjective (historically significant, historically accurate) or at the start of a sentence to frame a statement about how the past is understood or depicted.
常見錯誤
2. comparing current amounts or levels with those from earlier periods — for exampl
comparing current amounts or levels with those from earlier periods — for example, describing interest rates as historically low because they are far below 1980s levels.
The average temperature this July is historically high, surpassing every summer on record since 1950.
historically + adjective (high) + present participle clause
Housing prices in the area are historically low compared to other major cities.
historically + adjective (low)
Fresh vegetables are historically cheaper at the farmers' market than at the supermarket.
Mortgage rates have fallen to historically low levels unseen since the early 2000s.
- in comparison
less specific; needs context to show what is being compared
- by past standards
similar meaning, more informal
文法句型
historically + comparative adjective
Historically, + clause about trends
用法筆記
Common with comparative adjectives (lower, higher) to describe current conditions relative to past levels. Often used in financial or economic reporting.
常見錯誤
3. at many points in the past, especially when describing patterns or conditions th
at many points in the past, especially when describing patterns or conditions that existed over a long stretch of time — for example, saying that a region was historically home to several different ethnic groups.
Historically, women could not vote in most countries until the early 1900s.
Historically, + past simple for general past fact
The village had historically relied on fishing as its main source of food.
The island has historically served as a stopping point for ships traveling between continents.
Historically, earthquakes have caused widespread damage along this coastline every few decades.
Putri read that the city was historically a center for the spice and silk trade.
- traditionally
focuses on customs or long-standing practices
- in the past
more general, not limited to long periods
- formerly
more formal, often about a specific earlier state
文法句型
Historically, + clause about past patterns
用法筆記
Often appears at the start of a clause to introduce a broad statement about past patterns. Unlike sense 1, this sense does not imply a scholarly approach — it simply refers to what was true in earlier times.