What does tropically mean?
“Tropically” is an adverb meaning in the tropics or in a manner characteristic of tropical regions. It can describe the climate or atmosphere of a place, as in “tropically humid,” or convey the lushness, warmth, and vibrancy associated with the tropics. The word is useful when the speaker wants to evoke tropical conditions concisely rather than name a specific location. In literary and descriptive writing, it may also be used figuratively, suggesting a scene that feels dense, luxuriant, or intensely alive. Although the phrase “in the tropics” is often more direct and conversational, “tropically” has a more evocative, stylistic quality. Its meaning is broadly the same in standard British and American English.
adverbIn or as if in the tropics; in a manner characterized by conditions typical of the tropics.
- In a manner typical of the tropics
- With reference to or in the tropics
"The garden was lush and tropically humid throughout the summer."
"Rainforests remain dark and tropically humid even beneath the canopy."
"The novel's imagery is lush and tropically vibrant, evoking a world far from the city."
One compact word can carry a whole climate: “tropically humid” suggests heat, moisture, and the atmosphere of the tropics in a phrase.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tropically come from?
“Tropically” is formed from “tropical” with the adverbial suffix “-ly.” “Tropical” comes through Latin from Greek roots associated with the tropics and the turning of the sun, while the related English words include “tropic,” “subtropical,” and “intertropical.”
How tropically is actually used
“Tropically” is more literary and descriptive than the simpler phrase “in the tropics.” It is especially common in writing about climate, vegetation, landscapes, and atmosphere, but it can also be used metaphorically for vivid or exuberant surroundings.
Easily confused with tropically
“Tropically” relates to the tropics or tropical conditions, whereas “topically” means with reference to the subject being discussed.