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Jadarite Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
Historic vs. Historical - Nov, 2008
"historical is connected with history (as a subject or branch of science) e.g. The abbey is a historical monument." -
I know there are previous threads on here, but either they address pronunciation or don't seem to be clear enough. In the above quote, it seems like a contradiction to me. If historical is used as a subject, then the abbey (probably capitalized?) is more "historic" ("critical, crucial, tragic, of essence"). They wouldn't have created it, in my opinion, if it wasn't important.
At http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monument it notes, "Functional structures made notable by their age, size or historic significance". Then, next paragraph it says, "Monuments are also often designed to convey historical or political information."
So, it seems like it is just a matter of interpretation and intent. I want to introduce "historic(al?)" sites to my classes and was wondering which I should use. I opt for "historic" because I am not choosing any site, but the most well known ones like Eiffel Tower, Pyramids, and Stonehenge. If it were just a statue, then maybe "historical" would fit better.
I know there are previous threads on here, but either they address pronunciation or don't seem to be clear enough. In the above quote, it seems like a contradiction to me. If historical is used as a subject, then the abbey (probably capitalized?) is more "historic" ("critical, crucial, tragic, of essence"). They wouldn't have created it, in my opinion, if it wasn't important.
At http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monument it notes, "Functional structures made notable by their age, size or historic significance". Then, next paragraph it says, "Monuments are also often designed to convey historical or political information."
So, it seems like it is just a matter of interpretation and intent. I want to introduce "historic(al?)" sites to my classes and was wondering which I should use. I opt for "historic" because I am not choosing any site, but the most well known ones like Eiffel Tower, Pyramids, and Stonehenge. If it were just a statue, then maybe "historical" would fit better.
Top answer
Jadarite: Here is the dictionary entry. Both of these words are adjectives. Historic and historical have different usages, though their senses overlap.
- Jadarite: Here is the dictionary entry.
- Both of these words are adjectives.
- Historic and historical have different usages, though their senses overlap.
- Historic refers to what is important in history: the historic first voyage to the moon.
- It is also used of what is famous or interesting because of its association with persons or events in history: a historic house.
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1 Answers
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Jadarite:
Here is the dictionary entry. Both of these words are adjectives.
Historic and historical have different usages, though their senses overlap. Historic refers to what is important in history: the historic first voyage to the moon. It is also used of what is famous or interesting because of its association with persons o
Here is the dictionary entry. Both of these words are adjectives.
Historic and historical have different usages, though their senses overlap. Historic refers to what is important in history: the historic first voyage to the moon. It is also used of what is famous or interesting because of its association with persons o
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