What does electronically mean?
"Electronically" is an adverb meaning by means of electronic equipment, and especially by means of computers, networks, and other digital technology. It is used to indicate that an action — submitting a form, signing a document, filing a tax return, transferring funds — is carried out through digital channels rather than on paper or in person. The adverb derives from "electronic," which itself comes from "electron," the subatomic particle named in the late nineteenth century; as electronics developed through the twentieth century, "electronic" broadened to describe devices built on such principles. Today "electronically" carries a neutral, often formal register and appears constantly in business, legal, and government language: documents may be signed, stored, transmitted, or processed electronically. A related sense applies more broadly to machinery or systems that are controlled by electronic circuits rather than mechanical parts, as when a throttle or lock is said to be electronically operated. Its ubiquity reflects how thoroughly digital methods have replaced physical ones in everyday administration.
By means of electronic equipment, especially computers or digital systems; in an electronic rather than physical or paper-based manner.
"Applications must be submitted electronically via the official website."
Often collocates with verbs of transaction or communication such as sign, file, submit, transfer, and communicate.
(Of a device or system) in a manner governed or operated by electronic circuits rather than mechanical means.
"The fuel injection is controlled electronically for greater precision."
More technical in register; common in engineering and product descriptions.
The word "electronically" only entered common use after World War II — yet today it describes how most of humanity signs contracts, files taxes, and casts ballots.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of electronically
The adverb "electronically" is formed from "electronic," which derives from "electron," a term coined in the 1890s from Greek "ēlektron," meaning amber — the substance in which static electricity was first observed. As electronic devices spread through the twentieth century, particularly after World War II, the adverb came to describe actions performed using such equipment. Its dominant modern sense, involving computers and digital communication, developed alongside computing itself in the later twentieth century. Cognates sharing the same Greek root include "electric," "electricity," and "electronics."
Related word forms
How electronically is actually used
Neutral to formal register; standard in business, legal, and administrative contexts. Increasingly implies internet- or computer-based processes specifically.
Easily confused with electronically
"Electronically" refers to operations involving computers and digital systems, while "electrically" refers to something powered by or relating to electricity.