adj
historical
hih-STO-rih-kuhl
adj
1
Relating to history or the past, especially as recorded and studied, as opposed to legend or fiction.
"The novel is based on historical events from the 1800s."
"She has a strong interest in historical accuracy in her documentaries."
How to Use Historical
Learner’s notes
Common mistake
See "historic" — that word is for things noteworthy in history, while "historical" just means "from or about the past" generally.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
historical record
historical fiction
historical context
Word Forms
more historical comparative, historicals plural, most historical superlative
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The novel is based on _____ events from the 1800s.
Etymology
From Latin historicus plus the adjective suffix "-al."