historical
adjective
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historic or historical?
Do you experience a slight pause before using either of these words as you try to remember which one is correct and whether it should be preceded by an or a? If so, you’re not alone, for many people find this pair particularly tricky. Historic and historical are both occasionally found preceded by an, since the initial h in each word was formerly left unpronounced. Now this h is heard, and a is far more common than an (by a ratio of about 4 to 1 in American English).
Historic and historical have been used interchangeably by many writers, even in recent years. If you would like to avoid being corrected, however, use historical for matters relating to history (the historical society), and historic to refer to things having great and lasting importance (a historic occasion).
Examples of historical in a Sentence
Kiri Masters, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
But water levels in the state’s major reservoirs stand at 112% of the historical average, and statewide precipitation is about average for this time of year.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
The bookseller brought up a high-profile example: Boris Akunin, a best-selling author of historical detective fiction, who has faced nearly every type of opprobrium for his criticism of Putin and the war.
—Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025
Here's what a historical design expert says about bringing castlecore into your home and lifestyle (minus the dueling).
7 Decorating Trends Pinterest Says Will Be Huge in 2025
Kat Anderson is a professional seamstress and textile artist, fashion historian, and medieval style specialist.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Historical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/historical. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.
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historical
adjective
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