You’re writing about an important event or a significant monument, and suddenly you pause—should you describe it as historical or historic? While these two words are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings that can change the tone or accuracy of your writing.
In this post, we’ll explore the key differences between historical and historic, and help you understand when to use each one correctly.
Understanding Historical And Historic
Historical: Definition and Usage
Historical refers to anything related to history or the study of past events. It is often used to describe objects, documents, events, or even periods that are connected to the past in general.
If something is historical, it doesn’t necessarily have great significance, but it is related to something that happened in history.
For example:
- “The museum contains many historical artifacts.”
- “She loves reading historical fiction.”
In these cases, historical is used to describe items or literature that relate to history but are not necessarily significant milestones in history.
Historic: Definition and Usage
Historic, on the other hand, refers to something that is significant or influential in history. When you use historic, you are talking about an event, place, or object that has had a major impact or is considered important for its contribution to history.
Historic is often reserved for things that are memorable and have shaped history in some way.
For example:
- “The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a historic moment.”
- “They visited a historic landmark during their trip.”
Here, historic is used to describe something that played an essential role in history and is worthy of being remembered.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Aspect | Historical | Historic |
Definition | Relates to the study of or events from the past. | Describes something of significant importance in history. |
Common Usage | “She read a historical novel set in the 1800s.” | “The moon landing was a historic event for humanity.” |
Key Differences | General reference to history. | Refers to something noteworthy or significant in history. |
When deciding between historical and historic, ask yourself whether the subject is simply related to history (historical) or if it is of major importance in history (historic).
Everyday Usage Examples
Here are examples of how historical and historic fit into everyday language:
- Historical: “The library holds historical records dating back to the 1700s.”
- Historic: “The fall of the Berlin Wall was a historic event that changed the world.”
- Historical: “They studied historical trends in climate change over the last century.”
- Historic: “This building is a historic landmark, preserved for its architectural beauty.”
- Historical: “She watched a documentary on historical battles of the medieval period.”
- Historic: “The election was considered historic for its unprecedented results.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, while historical and historic may seem similar, they have different meanings. Historical refers to anything related to history, whether it’s significant or not, while historic is reserved for things that are important or influential in history.
By understanding the difference, you can choose the right word to convey the exact meaning you intend.