historical
hih-STO-rih-kuhl
Historical (adj) means relating to history or the past, especially as recorded and studied, as opposed to legend or fiction. Example: “The museum displays historical objects from a Roman fort found nearby.”
adj
1
Relating to history or the past, especially as recorded and studied, as opposed to legend or fiction.
"The museum displays historical objects from a Roman fort found nearby."
"The novel is based on historical events from the 1800s."
"She has a strong interest in historical accuracy in her documentaries."
How to use historical
Learner’s notes
Common mistake
See "historic" — that word is for things noteworthy in history, while "historical" just means "from or about the past" generally.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
historical record
historical fiction
historical context
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Word forms
- Plural
- historicals
- Comparative
- more historical
- Superlative
- most historical
Fill the gap
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The museum displays _____ objects from a Roman fort found nearby.
Etymology
From Latin historicus plus the adjective suffix "-al."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for historical
See all rhymes for historical →Frequently asked questions
What does “historical” mean?
The word “historical” means relating to history or the past, especially as recorded and studied, as opposed to legend or fiction.
How do you pronounce “historical”?
“Historical” is pronounced hih-STO-rih-kuhl (/hɪˈstɔɹɪkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “historical” in a sentence?
Here is “historical” used in a sentence: “The novel is based on historical events from the 1800s.”
What is another word for “historical”?
Words with a similar meaning to “historical” include historial, bygone, former, old and ancient.
What is the opposite of “historical”?
The opposite of “historical” — its antonyms — are ahistorical, anachronistic, modern, contemporary and present.
What part of speech is “historical”?
“Historical” is an adjective.
Where does the word “historical” come from?
The word “historical” comes from Latin. From Latin historicus plus the adjective suffix "-al.".
Is “historical” a common word?
“Historical” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between historical and historic?
This is one of the most useful distinctions in English. Historical means relating to history or the past in general — a historical document, a historical novel. Historic means important or famous in history — a historic victory, a historic building. A plain old cottage is historical; the signing of a peace treaty is historic.
Is it 'a historical' or 'an historical'?
Both appear, but a historical is now standard, because the h in historical is clearly pronounced. An historical is an older convention from when the h was often dropped in speech, and some writers still prefer it in formal prose. Either is accepted, though a historical is the safer modern choice.
What is the difference between historical and legendary?
Historical events actually happened and are supported by records and evidence. Legendary or mythical stories are handed down through tradition and may be exaggerated or invented, with little proof they occurred. A historical figure can be documented; a legendary one lives mainly in stories, however real and vivid they may feel.
What is an example of historical?
Historical describes anything rooted in the recorded past: a historical document, a historical figure such as a real king or scientist, historical fiction set in a bygone era, or a historical account of a war. The common thread is a genuine connection to history rather than to legend or invention.
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