adjective
-
famous or likely to become famous in history; significant
-
a less common word for historical historical historical historical historical
-
Also: secondary. linguistics (of Latin, Greek, or Sanskrit verb tenses) referring to past time
Usage
A distinction is usually made between historic (important, significant) and historical (pertaining to history): a historic decision; a historical perspective
Other Word Forms
- nonhistoric adjective
- pseudohistoric adjective
- quasi-historic adjective
- semihistoric adjective
- superhistoric adjective
- unhistoric adjective
Etymology
Origin of historic
First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin historicus, from Greek historikós “historical, scientific,” from histor(ía) “inquiry” ( history ) + -ikos -ic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The boyband's concert that took place in the historic Gwanghwamun Square saw them perform songs from their new album alongside hits like Butter and Dynamite.
From BBC
The other reason I'm interested in this topic is because I'm excited by the prospect of witnessing a historic change - a horses-to-cars type moment.
From BBC
The 24-year-old captured her first world indoor title in commanding fashion as she claimed 800m gold in a championship record time on a historic night for Great Britain in Poland on Sunday.
From BBC
The state has historic links to American missionaries.
From BBC
California’s reservoirs are in good shape, brimming above historic averages with many nearing capacity.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
