Compare importance in history with a connection to the past.

The idea

Historic usually means important in history; historical means relating to history or the past. An important old building can be described by either, depending on the emphasis.

Patterns to compare
AdjectiveTypical emphasis
historicimportant in history
historicalrelating to the past

Examples

  • The treaty was a historic achievement.
  • The vote marked a historic turning point.
  • The town celebrated its historic victory.
  • The archive contains historical records of floods.
  • She studies historical changes in farming.
  • The novel uses historical details about ships.

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Watch out

Not everything old is historic: an ordinary old record can be historical without being significant.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct word. The peace agreement was a ___ milestone for the country. (historic / historical)

    Show answer or example answer

    historic

    historic: The milestone is significant for the country.

  2. Choose the correct word. The researcher checked ___ records of ordinary rainfall. (historic / historical)

    Show answer or example answer

    historical

    historical: The records concern past rainfall, not a major event.

  3. Choose the correct word. The museum offers a ___ overview of farming over several centuries. (historic / historical)

    Show answer or example answer

    historical

    historical: The overview covers developments in the past.

Use it today

Describe a major event and an ordinary document from the past.