Meaning of historical in English

1. Pronunciation

   /hɪˈstɔrək(ə)l/

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   UK accent

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1. Classifying Adjective

   historical

   Definitions

   1. having once lived or existed or taken place in the real world as distinct from being legendary

   Examples

   • « the historical Jesus »
   • « doubt that a historical Camelot every existed »
   • « actual historical events »

   Synonyms

   • real
   • existent
2. 2. belonging to the past

   Examples

   • « of what is important or famous in the past »
   • « historic victories »
   • « historical (or historic) times »
   • « a historical character »

   Synonyms

   • past

3. Qualitative Adjective

   historical

   Etymology

   late Middle English: via Latin from Greek historikos (see historic)

   Definitions

   1. of or relating to the study of history

   Examples

   • « historical scholars »
   • « a historical perspective »

   Antonyms

   • ahistorical
4. 2. used of the study of a phenomenon (especially language) as it changes through time

   Examples

   • « diachronic linguistics »

   Antonyms

   • synchronic
   • descriptive