historical

The word “historical” means relating to history or the past, especially as recorded and studied, as opposed to legend or fiction.

“Historical” is pronounced hih-STO-rih-kuhl (/hɪˈstɔɹɪkəl/ in IPA).

Here is “historical” used in a sentence: “The novel is based on historical events from the 1800s.”

Words with a similar meaning to “historical” include historial, bygone, former, old and ancient.

The opposite of “historical” — its antonyms — are ahistorical, anachronistic, modern, contemporary and present.

“Historical” is an adjective.

The word “historical” comes from Latin. From Latin historicus plus the adjective suffix "-al.".

“Historical” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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 Historical means relating to history or the past in general — a historical document, a historical novel.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.

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.

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.

Historical describes anything rooted in the recorded past: a historical document, a historical figure such as a real king or scientist, historical fiction set in a bygone era, or a historical account of a war.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.