Learn the Difference Between Historic and Historical

Historic is a word used to describe a specific event in history—such as a significant occurrence, decision, or moment—that has become or has the potential to become famous or significant. Synonyms for historic include momentous, famed, or renowned, and refers to a memorable instance of great importance.

Using the word “historic” refers to a specific, singular event in history. Examples of historical events would include notable dates during a war in the past, signings of treaties, or specific people who existed in the past. Here are some other guidelines to follow when using the word “historic.”

• To refer to notable events in history: Specific, notable events in history are referred to as historic events, historic moments, or historic occasions. For example, it would be correct to call the battle of Gettysburg as a historic battle during the Civil War.
• To refer to objects associated with notable people and events: Texts, objects, or historic sites that are associated with significant events in history are referred to as historic. For example, the Declaration of Independence is a historic document. The first brick thrown at the Stonewall Riots would also be considered a historic object, while the Stonewall Inn is a historic building.
• Use “a” instead of “an”: While some people may use “an historic,” in fact “a historic” is the correct usage of the words due to the beginning consonant sound of the “h.” (Only “h” words beginning with a vowel sound have “an” before them.)

Historical means any past event or occurrence that has happened, whether it was significant or not. Historical refers to an authentic event that once occurred at some point in history, and is fact and/or evidence-based. For instance, the Diary of Anne Frank is a historical text (while World War II is both a historical and historic event).

Historical and historic are not completely interchangeable terms. Here are a series of tips to follow when you’re using the term “historical.”

• To refer to a past time in history: You can use the term “historical” to refer to a generalized time in the past. For example, you could say: “The Historical Society is an organization of people dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the past.”
• To refer to a historical object from a broad period: Things like letters or documents that are from the past but not associated with a specific notable event in history are referred to as historical. Texts and objects are referred to as historical, such as historical maps, historical documents, historical records, historical evidence, and historical artifacts.
• To refer to fiction: Historical fiction is a literary genre where the story takes place in the past. Historical novels capture the details of the time period as accurately as possible for authenticity, including social norms, manners, customs, and traditions.
• Use “a” instead of “an”: While some people may use “an historical,” in fact “a historical” is the correct usage of the words due to the beginning consonant sound of the “h.” (Only “h” words beginning with a vowel sound have “an” before them.)

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