What does chemically mean?
Chemically is an adverb used to describe something in terms of chemistry or as a result of chemical processes. It appears most often in scientific, medical, and technical writing, where precision about how a change occurs matters. When we say a substance is chemically inert, we mean it does not readily react with other substances; when two materials are described as chemically identical, they share the same molecular composition even if they look or behave differently. The word can also contrast chemical properties with physical ones, as in 'the elements are chemically similar but physically quite distinct.' Derived from 'chemical,' which ultimately descends from 'alchemy,' the term reflects centuries of development from medieval proto-chemistry to modern laboratory science. Chemically is neutral in tone and standard in both British and American English, making it a reliable choice whenever the distinction between what a substance is made of and how it reacts needs to be stated clearly.
In a way that relates to chemistry; by means of chemical processes or reactions.
"The water was chemically purified before being bottled."
Often used to contrast chemical causes or methods with physical, mechanical, or biological ones.
With respect to chemical composition or structure.
"Quartz and glass are chemically similar but differ greatly in internal structure."
Common in comparative statements about materials, minerals, or compounds.
The word 'chemically' traces back through 'alchemy' — meaning its roots lie not in modern labs, but in the medieval quest to turn lead into gold.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chemically
Chemically derives from 'chemical,' formed from 'chemist,' which entered English in the early modern period via French and Latin forms of 'alchemy.' The ultimate root is Arabic 'al-kīmiyāʾ', borrowed into Medieval Latin as 'alchemia'. The adverb 'chemically' arose as English needed a way to describe processes in terms of the emerging science of chemistry, distinguishing it from its older sibling alchemy. Cognates include French 'chimiquement' and German 'chemisch'.
Related word forms
How chemically is actually used
Chemically is a neutral, technical adverb common in scientific writing and journalism. It frequently pairs with adjectives like 'inert', 'active', 'bound', or 'treated' to specify that a property results from chemical rather than physical or mechanical processes. It carries no particular connotation — neither positive nor negative.
Easily confused with chemically
Chemurgy is a noun referring to the industrial use of agricultural raw materials in chemical products, while chemically is an adverb describing how something happens or is composed.