Historic vs Historical

Quick Tip: Remember: Historic means famous or important in history (a historic event). Historical means relating to history (historical documents).

Historic

adjective

famous or important in history, or potentially so

Examples:
  • This is a historic moment for our country.
  • The historic building was preserved.
  • It was a historic decision.

Historical

adjective

of or concerning history; belonging to the past

Examples:
  • The book provides historical context.
  • We studied historical documents.
  • Historical events shaped the region.