Historical: meaning, definitions and examples

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historical

 

[ hษชหˆstษ”หrษชkษ™l ]

Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

study of past events

Relating to the study or representation of past events, especially those of historical significance. Involving or concerning events in the past. Connected with history; based on events in history. Having once existed or lived in the real world, as opposed to being legendary or fictional.

Synonyms

ancient, historic, past, traditional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
historical

Used when discussing anything related to history or events that took place in the past.

  • She enjoys reading historical novels
  • The museum showcases many historical artifacts
historic

Describes events, places, or moments of great significance in history, often used positively.

  • The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a historic event
  • They visited a historic battlefield from the Civil War
past

General term for anything that happened before the present time, often used less formally.

  • He spent his childhood in a small town in the past
  • People often reminisce about the past
traditional

Related to customs, beliefs, or methods that have been handed down through generations.

  • They wore traditional clothing for the festival
  • The family follows traditional recipes for holiday meals
ancient

Refers to something that belongs to the distant past, often several hundred or thousands of years old.

  • The ancient pyramids of Egypt are a significant tourist attraction
  • They studied ancient Roman architecture in school

Examples of usage

  • Historical research is crucial for understanding the past.
  • She has a deep interest in historical events.
  • The movie is set in a historical period.
  • His historical novel is based on true events.
  • The historical accuracy of the document is being questioned.
Context #2 | Adjective

famous or important in history

Famous or important in history. Remembered or celebrated because of significant achievements. Having great and lasting importance.

Synonyms

memorable, notable, remarkable, significant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
historical

Used to describe something related to history or past events.

  • The museum has a collection of historical artifacts.
  • This is a historical document from the 18th century.
significant

Used to describe something of great importance or consequence, often impacting outcomes or events.

  • The discovery of penicillin was a significant milestone in medicine.
  • This decision will have significant consequences for the company.
notable

Used to describe something or someone that is worthy of attention or notice, often due to importance or excellence.

  • She is a notable figure in the science community.
  • This event was notable for its lack of planning.
memorable

Used to describe something that is worth remembering, often because it is special or enjoyable.

  • That was a memorable vacation.
  • Her memorable performance left the audience in awe.
remarkable

Used to describe something or someone that is extraordinary or worthy of remark, often because of unique qualities.

  • His remarkable talent impressed everyone.
  • This is a remarkable innovation in medical research.

Examples of usage

  • The historical figures in the painting are iconic.
  • This building is a historical landmark.
  • Her speech was a historical moment in our country's history.
  • The battle was a historical turning point in the war.
  • The historical significance of the event cannot be understated.

Translations

Translations of the word "historical" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น histรณrico

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคเคคเคฟเคนเคพเคธเคฟเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช historisch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sejarah

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั–ัั‚ะพั€ะธั‡ะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ historyczny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆญดๅฒ็š„ (ใ‚Œใใ—ใฆใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท historique

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ histรณrico

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tarihi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์—ญ์‚ฌ์ ์ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุงุฑูŠุฎูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ historickรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ historickรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŽ†ๅฒ็š„ (lรฌshว de)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zgodovinski

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรถgulegur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐั€ะธั…ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ˜แƒกแƒขแƒแƒ แƒ˜แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tarixi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ histรณrico

Etymology

The word 'historical' originates from the late 16th century, coming from the French word 'historique', and from late Latin 'historicalis'. It is derived from the word 'history', which itself comes from the Greek 'historia', meaning 'inquiry' or 'knowledge acquired by investigation'. The concept of history and the importance of studying past events have been integral to human civilization, shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it.

See also: historian, historic, histrionic, prehistoric, prehistorical.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,315, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.