Quick answer: Historic means famous, important, or significant in history — something that will be remembered. Historical means relating to history or the past in general. Not all historical events are historic. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘historic’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Key Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| historic | adjective | famous, significant (a landmark moment) | a historic speech |
| historical | adjective | about or from history in general | historical records |
Using Historic
Historic describes something so important or remarkable that it is likely to be remembered and studied in the future. It carries a sense of greatness or significance — not just connection to the past, but a special place in it.
The moon landing was a historic achievement.
This is a historic moment for our country.
The two leaders signed a historic peace agreement.
Key Collocations with Historic
You will often see historic used with nouns that suggest significance: a historic moment, a historic victory, a historic decision, a historic occasion, a historic agreement.
Winning the championship was a historic occasion for the club.
The court made a historic decision that changed the law.
Using Historical
Historical is a broader, more neutral adjective. It simply means “relating to history” or “from the past”. It does not imply that something was especially important — only that it belongs to or concerns the past.
I enjoy reading historical novels.
The museum has an impressive historical collection.
Researchers examined the historical records carefully.
Key Collocations with Historical
You will often see historical with nouns related to study, context, or documentation: historical records, historical research, historical evidence, historical context, a historical novel, a historical figure.
The author based the story on historical events from the 18th century.
We need to consider the historical context before drawing conclusions.
Common Mistakes & Tips
✗ The fall of the Berlin Wall was a historical event. (technically true, but misses the importance)
✓ The fall of the Berlin Wall was a historic event. (highlights its significance)
✗ I found some interesting historic records in the archive.
✓ I found some interesting historical records in the archive. (records are from history, not necessarily famous)
✗ I enjoy reading historic novels.
✓ I enjoy reading historical novels. (historical fiction = set in the past)
Tips to Remember the Difference
- If you could replace the adjective with famous or significant, use historic.
- If you could replace the adjective with relating to history or from the past, use historical.
- Think: historic = it made history. historical = it’s about history.
- Historical novels, historical research, and historical documents → historical.
- A historic victory, a historic moment, a historic agreement → historic.
Also confusing: Classic vs Classical, Economic vs Economical, Accept vs Receive. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Historic or Historical?
Four questions — choose the correct word for each sentence.
1. “Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon were ___.”
2. “The ___ records date back to the 17th century.”
3. “This is a ___ decision for our company.”
4. “We visited several ___ sites in Rome.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between historic and historical?
Historic means famous, important, or significant in history — something that will be remembered. Historical means relating to history or the past in general. Not all historical events are historic.
Can historic and historical be used interchangeably?
No. Historic carries a sense of importance or fame: “a historic victory”. Historical simply describes a connection to history: “a historical document”. Using them interchangeably can significantly change the meaning.
Is the moon landing historic or historical?
The moon landing is both, but they emphasise different things. “A historic achievement” stresses its extraordinary importance. “A historical event” just places it in history. The word historic is more commonly used to describe the moon landing.
When should I use historic?
Use historic when you mean that something is famous, significant, or will be remembered as important: “a historic agreement”, “a historic moment”, “a historic victory”.
When should I use historical?
Use historical when you mean something is connected to or about the past in general: “historical records”, “a historical novel”, “historical research”, “a historical figure”.
What is a historical figure?
A historical figure is a real person from the past, such as Napoleon or Cleopatra. The word historical here simply means “from history”. You would use historic if that person was especially important or famous: “a historic leader”.
Can a place be both historic and historical?
Yes. A historic site is one of great importance or fame — for example, the site of a famous battle. A historical site simply relates to history. In practice, “historic site” is more common because the significance is usually the point.
Is “an historic” or “a historic” correct?
Both are used, but “a historic” is now standard in modern English. “An historic” was historically used because the ‘h’ was sometimes silent, but today most speakers pronounce the ‘h’, so “a historic” is preferred.
What are common collocations with historic?
Common collocations with historic include: a historic moment, a historic victory, a historic decision, a historic achievement, a historic agreement, a historic occasion.
What are common collocations with historical?
Common collocations with historical include: historical records, historical research, a historical novel, a historical figure, historical accuracy, historical evidence, historical context.