historical
/hɪˈstɒɹɪkəl/
The word 'historical' is an adjective. It is used to describe things that are related to history or past events. It can also describe something that is very important in history or has historical significance. It is often used to describe documents, buildings, events, or people from the past. For example, a 'historical document' is a document from the past, and a 'historical event' is an event that happened in history. Sometimes, 'historical' is used to describe something that is significant or memorable in a particular context, even if it's not ancient history. For example, a 'historical moment' could refer to a significant achievement in a sports game or a company's history.
💬Casual Conversation
The historical project data is a complete mess. We're going to miss our deadline.
Just wing it. Who even checks historical stuff anyway?
Collocations & Compounds
historical context
The circumstances, events, and background that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed.
Understanding the historical context is crucial for interpreting the document.
historical significance
The importance or relevance of an event, person, or object in history.
The ancient ruins hold immense historical significance.
historical record
A collection of documents, artifacts, and other evidence from the past.
The museum preserves the historical record for future generations.
historical analysis
The study and interpretation of past events.
Her book provides a detailed historical analysis of the revolution.
historical sites
Places where important past events occurred or where evidence of past human activity can be found.
We visited several historical sites during our trip to Rome.
Cultural Context
Historical Echoes: The Enduring Power of Myth in Modern Storytelling
The word "historical" often conjures images of dusty textbooks and dates etched in stone. Yet, what is truly fascinating is how deeply ingrained historical narratives, particularly those rooted in myth and legend, continue to shape our modern storytelling. These aren't just ancient tales; they are foundational blueprints for understanding human nature, conflict, and heroism.
Consider the archetypal hero's journey, a narrative structure famously explored by Joseph Campbell. This pattern, present in epics like Homer's Odyssey and the Mahabharata, sees a protagonist leave their ordinary world, face trials, and return transformed. It's a deeply human story, resonating because it taps into our collective subconscious. When we watch a modern blockbuster, from Star Wars to The Lord of the Rings, we are often witnessing a reinterpretation of these ancient, historical patterns.
The figures of mythology also provide a rich tapestry for contemporary fiction. The trickster god, the wise mentor, the tragic lover – these characters, born from historical oral traditions and religious beliefs, are constantly re-imagined. Loki's cunning, Gandalf's wisdom, or Romeo and Juliet's doomed romance are echoes of figures and themes that have been with us for millennia. The enduring appeal lies in their symbolic power, representing fundamental aspects of the human experience.
Furthermore, historical myths often serve as cautionary tales or moral compasses. The story of Icarus, flying too close to the sun, remains a potent warning against hubris. The legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, though steeped in historical debate, offers an enduring ideal of chivalry and justice. These narratives, far from being mere relics, provide a shared cultural language, allowing us to explore complex themes and human foibles in ways that feel both timeless and profoundly relevant. The historical weight of these myths gives them a power that transcends their original context, making them eternally fertile ground for new stories.
Etymology
The word 'historical' comes from the Greek word 'historía', meaning 'inquiry' or 'knowledge gained by investigation'. It entered English in the 17th century, initially relating to the study of history itself. Over time, its meaning broadened to describe anything pertaining to past events or that is important in history.