Reading Theme:
History Definition: Meaning, Examples & Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：study of the past (history)
history
/ˈhɪstri/
n.
The study of past events, especially involving human affairs over a long period of time.
study of the past
➕
/ˈstʌdi əv ðə pɑːst/
n.
The systematic study of past human events, societies, and cultures, often through written records and artifacts.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Greek 'histōr' (wise, knowing) + 'ia' (abstract noun suffix).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'His Story' – history is the story of humankind.
📖 Example
She loves her history class because the teacher tells fascinating stories about ancient kings and queens.
She loves her history class because the teacher tells fascinating stories about ancient kings and queens.
🔗 Collocations
ancient history – history that dates back to ancient times
history book – a book about past events
history teacher – a teacher of history
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
historian (n.) – an expert in or student of history
historical (adj.) – of or concerning history or past events
historic (adj.) – famous or important in history
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Greek 'historia' (inquiry). Herodotus, the 'Father of History', popularized its use for systematic study of past events.
Meaning 2：personal record of past events (history)
history
/ˈhɪstri/
n.
A record of what has happened to someone or something in the past.
personal record of past events
➕
/ˈpɜːsənl ˈrekɔːd əv pɑːst ɪˈvents/
n.
A documented account of past experiences, actions, or events related to a person, organization, or thing.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
When you apply for a new job, the company will usually check your work history.
When you apply for a new job, the company will usually check your work history.
🔗 Collocations
work history – a record of a person's previous jobs and employment
medical history – a record of a person's past illnesses and medical treatments
credit history – a record of a person's borrowing and repayment behavior
🔄 Synonyms
background (n.) – the circumstances or situation prevailing at a particular time or underlying a particular event
record (n.) – a thing constituting a piece of evidence about the past
past (n.) – the time before the present; all that has happened previously
🚫 Antonyms
future plans (n. phrase) – intentions or actions that are yet to occur
🌱 Derivatives
historical (adj.) – of or concerning history or past events
Wordbook
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