Historic vs. Historical: What’s the Difference?

The words historic and historical both relate to the past, but they are not interchangeable.

One describes something important, while the other describes anything simply related to history.

Here’s the quick rule:

• Historic → something very important or famous in history
• Historical → anything related to history, whether important or not

1. Historic

Meaning

Historic describes something important, significant, or famous in history.
Use it for events, decisions, places, or moments that made a major impact.

Examples (10 total)

1. The moon landing was a historic event.
2. It was a historic victory for the team.
3. The treaty marked a historic moment in politics.
4. They visited a historic building downtown.
5. The speech is remembered as a historic milestone.
6. The city held a historic celebration.
7. She made a historic discovery.
8. The law was a historic achievement.
9. They commemorated the historic anniversary.
10. The summit led to a historic agreement.

🧠 Tip:
If it was important enough to be remembered, use historic.

2. Historical

Meaning

Historical means related to history, whether or not it is important.
It includes documents, research, periods, and anything connected to the past.

Examples (10 total)

1. She read several historical documents.
2. They visited a historical museum.
3. The movie is based on historical facts.
4. He studies historical events from the 1700s.
5. This book covers historical records of the region.
6. The artifact has historical value.
7. They analyzed historical data.
8. The class focuses on historical themes.
9. It’s a novel with historical elements.
10. Scholars debated the historical timeline.

🧠 Tip:
If it simply relates to anything in the past, use historical.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. How to Remember

👉 Historic = important
👉 Historical = anything about history

Memory trick:

Historic moments are huge.
Historical things are just from history.

5. Common Mistakes

❌ Calling every old building “historic”
✔ Only call it historic if it’s truly important

❌ Using “historical” for big events
✔ Use historic for major moments

❌ Thinking the words mean the same
✔ They are different in tone and meaning

Humanizey Mention

Tools like Humanizey help writers choose the right word—historic or historical—based on tone, meaning, and context.

FAQs

1. Can a building be both historic and historical?

Yes. If it is old (historical) and important (historic).

2. Which one means “important”?

Historic.

3. Which one should I use for research?

Use historical (historical records, historical texts).

4. Can events be called “historical”?

They can, but if they are significant, “historic” is better.

Practice: Choose the Correct Word (“Historic” or “Historical”)

(Answers are listed at the end.)

1. The signing of the treaty was a ___ moment.
2. She studied ___ documents from the 1800s.
3. The king made a ___ decision.
4. They visited a museum full of ___ artifacts.
5. The discovery was a ___ breakthrough.
6. Researchers analyzed ___ data.
7. It was a ___ victory for the country.
8. He collected ___ books.
9. The city hosted a ___ celebration.
10. The novel is based on ___ events.

Answers

1. historic
2. historical
3. historic
4. historical
5. historic
6. historical
7. historic
8. historical
9. historic
10. historical