historic

[hi-stawr-ik, -stor-]

adjective

1. well-known or important in history.

   a historic building;

   historic occasions.

   Synonyms: memorable, famed, famous, renowned, notable

2. historical.

historic

/ hɪˈstɒrɪk /

adjective

1. famous or likely to become famous in history; significant

2. a less common word for historical historical historical historical historical

3. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of historic¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin historicus, from Greek historikós “historical, scientific,” from histor(ía) “inquiry” ( history ) + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

Set within the historic grounds of the former Beverly Hills Nurseries, which later became the Robinson-May department store, the gardens will feature two miles of walkways, trails, sitting areas and water features.

From Los Angeles Times

Nearly three quarters of this season are still to be played, but if the Rams keep winning and Nacua keeps producing, the third-year pro could be on a track similar to Kupp’s historic season.

From Los Angeles Times

Those historic cases have some important differences with 2025, experts say.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s an attempt to right historic wrongs in the service of a more effective military and a more unified populace.

From Salon

The trees were sprouting green shoots and to the naked eye appeared healthy — the only sign of life on the side of the street where historic Janes Village homes burned and some neighbors perished.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consequential 
• extraordinary 
• famous 
• important 
• memorable 
• significant