Reading Theme:
Historic: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：historically significant (historic)
historic
/hɪˈstɒrɪk/
adj.
Extremely important in history, likely to be remembered.
historically significant
➕
/hɪˈstɒrɪkli sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
adj.
Describing something that is extremely important in history and likely to be remembered.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'historia' (history) + suffix '-ic' (forming adjectives).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'HIS-story' – it's about important events in history that are his to remember.
📖 Example
The signing of the peace agreement was a historic moment for both nations.
The signing of the peace agreement was a historic moment for both nations.
🔗 Collocations
historic event – an event of great historical importance
historic moment – a significant point in history
historic decision – a decision with long-lasting historical impact
🔄 Synonyms
momentous (adj.) – of great importance or significance, especially in history
epoch-making (adj.) – marking the beginning of a new era
landmark (adj.) – serving as a turning point or milestone
🚫 Antonyms
insignificant (adj.) – not important or noteworthy
trivial (adj.) – of little value or importance
🌱 Derivatives
historically (adv.) – in a way related to history
history (n.) – the study of past events
historian (n.) – a person who studies or writes about history
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Greek 'historia' meaning 'inquiry', via Latin. Commonly used for officially protected buildings or major events in English-speaking cultures.
Meaning 2：historically preserved (historic)
historic
/hɪˈstɒrɪk/
adj.
A building or place that is officially protected because it is important in history.
historically preserved
➕
/hɪˈstɒrɪkli prɪˈzɜːvd/
adj.
Referring to a building or place that is officially protected because of its historical importance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The castle is a historic building that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
The castle is a historic building that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
🔗 Collocations
historic district – an area with buildings of historical significance that is protected
historic landmark – a building or site designated as historically important
historic preservation – the effort to protect and maintain historical sites
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
historically (adv.) – in a way related to history
history (n.) – the study of past events
historian (n.) – a person who studies or writes about history
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser