Electrically

/ɪˈlɛktrɪkli/

adverbBeginner📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning2 questions

Definitions

1

In a way that involves or is powered by electricity.

/ɪˈlɛktrɪkli/

adverbneutralBeginner
General

By means of electricity; using or involving electricity.

The train is powered electrically.

💡 Simply: Imagine your house. Everything that uses electricity, like the lights or the TV, works 'electrically'. It means it's powered by electricity!

👶 For kids: When something uses electricity to work, we say it works electrically.

More Examples

2

The building is lit electrically.

3

The process is performed electrically.

How It's Used

Engineering

"The device is powered electrically."

Science

"Lightning strikes electrically charge the atmosphere."

From 'electric' + '-ally'. 'Electric' derives from Greek 'ēlektron' (amber), referring to the ancient observation that amber, when rubbed, attracts small objects. The suffix '-ally' forms an adverb, indicating 'in an electric manner'.

Used frequently from the late 19th century onward with the rise of electricity and its applications.

Memory tip

Think of 'electric' (electricity) and add '-ally' for 'in that way'.

Word Origin

LanguageGreek
Original meaning

"amber (source of static electricity)"

powered electricallycharged electricallyheated electrically

Common misspellings

electricallyelecticaly

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written