Definition

Adverb 1. In a manner involving or using electronic devices, systems, or signals: Describes an action performed, controlled, or transmitted through the use of electronic technology, circuits, or digital data. Example: The data was sent electronically. 2. By means of electronic equipment or processes: Indicates the method or medium is electronic, not mechanical or manual. Example: The lock can be opened electronically.

Usage Examples

• General Usage:

  • Most bills are now paid electronically. (The action of paying is done using digital systems, not with paper checks.)
  • The temperature is monitored electronically. (The monitoring process uses electronic sensors and circuits.)
  • She signed the document electronically. (The signature was applied using a digital method.)

• Specific Context:

  • The musician created the sound electronically. (The sound was generated using electronic synthesizers, not acoustic instruments.)
  • Votes were cast electronically in the election. (The voting method used electronic machines or online systems.)

Advanced Usage

• "electronically stored information (ESI)": A legal and technical term for all data created, manipulated, stored, and communicated in digital form.

  • The court requested all electronically stored information relevant to the case.

• "electronically mediated communication": Communication that occurs through electronic channels like email, instant messaging, or video calls.

  • Remote work relies heavily on electronically mediated communication.

Variants and Related Words

• Electronic (adjective): Of or relating to electronics, devices that operate by controlling the flow of electrons.
  • electronic device, electronic music
• Electronics (noun, plural in form but singular in use): The branch of physics and technology concerned with the design of circuits using transistors and microchips, and with the behavior and movement of electrons.
  • He studied electronics in college.

Synonyms

• Digitally (often interchangeable when referring to data or information processed by computers).
• By wire (in specific contexts like data transmission).
• Automatically (can be a synonym when the electronic operation implies automatic function, but not always exact).

Related Phrases / Collocations

• Transmit electronically: To send data or signals using electronic means.
  • The report was transmitted electronically to headquarters.
• Record electronically: To capture audio, video, or data using electronic recording equipment.
  • The meeting was recorded electronically for later review.
• Access electronically: To retrieve or view information using an electronic system like a computer or database.
  • You can access your bank statements electronically.

Adverb

1. by electronic means
   • the door opens electronically