What does clinically mean?
"Clinically" is an adverb with two closely related uses. Its primary sense concerns medicine: something described as happening or being established clinically has been observed, tested, or treated in a clinical setting such as a hospital or research trial. Phrases like "clinically proven," "clinically significant," and "clinically obese" are staples of medical reporting and advertising alike. The second sense extends this idea figuratively: to do something clinically is to act with the cool detachment of a physician at work, setting emotion aside in favor of objective analysis. A critic might praise a novel for its clinically precise prose, or complain that a character approaches tragedy too clinically. The word derives ultimately from the Greek "klinē," meaning bed, via Latin and the noun "clinic." It is standard in both British and American English, formal enough for scientific writing yet common in ordinary conversation, where its figurative use can carry a faintly critical edge.
adverbIn a way that relates to medical observation or treatment, especially as carried out in a clinic or hospital; also, in a detached, unemotional manner that resembles the impersonal approach of a doctor examining a patient.
- In relation to medical diagnosis, treatment, or research conducted in a clinical setting (e.g., clinically tested, clinically obese).
- In an emotionally detached, dispassionate, or impersonal manner, like a doctor's objective examination of a patient.
"The drug was clinically proven to lower blood pressure."
"The vaccine was clinically trialled on thousands of volunteers before approval."
"She described the accident in a strangely clinical tone, as if reading from a report."
A person can be declared "clinically dead" — their heart stopped and breathing gone — and still be brought back to life, which is why the adverb carries more drama than most people realize.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of clinically
"Clinically" derives from "clinic," which traces back through German "Klinik" and French "clinique" to the Greek "klinikos," meaning "of a bed," from "klinē" (bed) — reflecting the ancient practice of teaching medicine at a patient's bedside. The adjective "clinical" arose in English in the late eighteenth century, and the adverb followed naturally. Cognates sharing the same Greek root include "clinic," "clinical," and "clinician."
Related word forms
How clinically is actually used
The word spans two registers of meaning: in medical and scientific writing it is neutral and technical, while in everyday speech it often carries a slightly negative connotation when describing someone's cold or unfeeling manner. Both senses are standard in British and American English.
Easily confused with clinically
"Clinically" means relating to medicine or done in an impersonal, detached way, while "cynically" means doing something out of distrust or contempt for others' motives.