What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ahistorical
Example
The author's ahistorical account of the conflict failed to acknowledge the underlying causes. [ahistorical: adjective]
Example
The politician's speech was criticized for its ahistorical perspective on race relations. [ahistorical: adjective]
unhistorical
Example
The prehistoric era is considered unhistorical due to the lack of written records. [unhistorical: adjective]
Example
The early years of the civilization are largely unhistorical, with few artifacts or documents surviving. [unhistorical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ahistorical is more commonly used than unhistorical in everyday language, especially in discussions of politics, culture, and society. Unhistorical is more commonly used in academic or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ahistorical and unhistorical?
Both ahistorical and unhistorical are formal words that are typically used in academic or intellectual discussions. However, ahistorical is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.