What does topically mean?
Topically means in relation to a particular topic or subject matter. It is especially useful when discussing relevance: a question may be topically relevant to an article, a passage may be topically focused, or a research project may be organized around topically related themes. Although the word can suggest a connection to a subject, it does not necessarily imply that the subject is currently popular or newsworthy; that sense is more strongly associated with “current” or “topical” when used independently. Topically is primarily found in academic, journalistic, professional, and other formal contexts rather than in casual speech. Its clearest contemporary sense is that of expressing the basis on which something is relevant or connected. For instance, a speaker might say that a proposal is topically relevant to the discussion, meaning that it concerns the same subject or issue being examined. The adverb is formed from the adjective topical and combines the idea of subject focus with the grammatical form of an adverb.
adverbIn relation to a topic or subject matter; concerning the particular subject being discussed.
- In relation to a topic or subject matter, especially the subject currently being discussed.
"The report is topically relevant to the debate about climate policy."
"That article is topically relevant to our discussion of public health."
"Her lecture is topically focused, examining recent developments in renewable energy."
Topically is the adverb that turns topical's idea of subject relevance into a precise way of saying “with respect to the topic.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does topically come from?
Topically was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to topical. Topical in turn derives from topic with the suffix -al, meaning “of or relating to a topic.” The word topic ultimately comes through Latin from Greek, where related forms derive from topos, “place,” reflecting the idea of a subject or place in discourse.
How topically is actually used
Topically is more common in academic, journalistic, and specialist writing than in everyday conversation. It often suggests relevance to a defined subject or issue, and can carry a somewhat formal or technical tone.
Easily confused with topically
Topically is an adverb meaning “in relation to a topic,” while topical is an adjective describing something concerned with or relevant to a subject.