What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
historical
Example
The museum has a collection of historical artifacts. [historical: adjective]
Example
I'm reading a historical novel set during World War II. [historical: adjective]
historic
Example
The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a historic moment. [historic: adjective]
Example
We visited the historic site where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous speech. [historic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Historical is more common than historic in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and has a broader meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between historical and historic?
Both historical and historic can be used in formal and informal contexts, but historic is often used in more formal settings due to its positive connotation and association with important events and places in history.
