What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
historic
Example
The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a historic moment. [historic: adjective]
Example
The city is filled with historic landmarks and monuments. [historic: adjective]
momentous
Example
The invention of the internet was a momentous achievement. [momentous: adjective]
Example
The election of the first female president would be a momentous occasion. [momentous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Historic is more commonly used than momentous in everyday language. Historic is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while momentous is less common and tends to be used in more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between historic and momentous?
Historic is generally considered more formal than momentous. While both words can be used in formal contexts, historic is often used in academic or historical writing, while momentous can be used in a wider range of formal and informal contexts.