WordGarden.iohistorical
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /hɪstˈɒrɪkəl/
US
- /hɪˈstɔrɪkəl/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to past events or the study of history
set in or depicting a past period
important because of its place in history
Beyond the definition
"Historical" connects us to everything that came before—the stories, people, and events that shaped our world. It's more than just old; it shows that something belongs to the story of human experience. You might visit a historical landmark like the Colosseum in Rome, or read a historical novel that imagines life during the American Revolution.
Think of "historical" as a spotlight on the timeline of our existence. A historical document isn't just an old piece of paper; it's a window into how people lived and thought long ago. When something is described as "historically accurate," it means it closely matches the facts and evidence of the past. Sometimes, events can become historical even as they happen—like when you witness a major moment in history unfold before your eyes.
The word "historical" describes anything relating to or based on past events and people. It goes beyond simply being old; it implies a connection to the unfolding story of humanity. For example, we often enjoy "historical fiction"—novels set in the past that blend imagination with real figures and events to bring a past era to life.
"Historical" is a versatile adjective. It can describe a place, as in "The city is rich in historical architecture," or a record, as in "Researchers uncovered several important historical letters." It is also often connected with other words to show a relation to the past, as in "historically accurate" or "historically significant."
However, it is essential to distinguish historical from historic. While they are related, historic is usually reserved for moments or places that are famous or specifically momentous (like a historic peace treaty). In contrast, historical refers more broadly to anything belonging to or representing the past (like historical records or a historical era). Furthermore, an object might be "old" without being "historical"; an antique chair is simply old unless it represents a specific period's style or played a role in a documented event.
Ultimately, whether it's a landmark, a document, or an event, "historical" signifies a link to our collective past and its enduring impact on the present. It's about recognizing what came before and understanding how those threads have been woven into the fabric of who we are today.
Examples
- 1
Archives
The library keeps historical records from the 1800s.
- 2
Fiction
She writes historical novels for young readers.
- 3
Cultural background
The guide explained the historical background of the temple before we went inside.
- 4
Film accuracy
The director changed several details, so the movie lacks historical accuracy.
- Phrasehistorical accuracy
being correct about what really happened in the past
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Past context
You have to look at the issue in its historical context.
- Phrasein its historical context
with the past events and conditions around it
- 6
Local names
For historical reasons, the two towns still use different names for the same river.
- Phrasefor historical reasons
because of things that happened in the past
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- historical record
- historical context
- historical evidence
- historical fiction
Word family
Explore
- chronology
- periodization
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- historicaladjective