Historical is a word that frequently causes spelling challenges. Phonetically, it is pronounced /hɪˈstɒrɪkəl/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The first syllable includes the sound "hi" (as in "hit"). The second syllable begins with the short "o" sound (as in "lot"), then follows with the "r" sound, and ends with the "ih" sound (as in "bit"). The final syllable includes the "-al" ending (as in "pal"). Remembering this phonetic breakdown can help ensure proper spelling of this frequently used word.
Historical is an adjective that refers to something related to or connected with the past, particularly events, individuals, or movements that have occurred in the past. It is derived from the noun "history" which encompasses the study or record of past events.
When something is described as historical, it implies that it is significant, noteworthy, or influential to the understanding of the past. It suggests that the subject matter has contributed to the development or progression of a particular time period, society, culture, or civilization. Historical features or characteristics often provide insight into the origins, evolution, and cultural context of a given subject.
In addition to the broad understanding of the term, historical can also denote a sense of accuracy, reliability, and authenticity in the representation or depiction of the past. This means that historical events, documents, accounts, or artifacts are based on factual evidence and rigorous research, distinguishing them from speculation, conjecture, or mythology.
Furthermore, the word historical can describe physical objects or structures that are considered significant due to their age, architectural style, or connection to a specific period in history. These objects, such as historical buildings, sites, or monuments, preserve and embody the history and cultural heritage of a particular region or community. They serve as tangible reminders of the past and aid in the understanding of how societies have evolved over time.
Pert. to history; contained in history or deduced from it.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "historical" originated from the late Middle English word "historial" or "historiall", which was derived from the Old French word "historial" or "istorial". The Old French term can be further traced back to the Latin word "historialis", which directly related to "historia" meaning "history". Ultimately, "historia" originated from the Ancient Greek word "historia" (ἱστορία), which referred to an inquiry or investigation. Thus, the etymology of the word "historical" encompasses its evolution across Latin, Old French, and Middle English, while its root can be traced back to the Greek word for "history".