1. Relating to the past: This is the most basic definition. Anything that happened in the past is considered historical.
2. Concerned with history: This refers to things that are related to the study or analysis of the past. For example, a historical document, a historical event, or a historical figure.
3. Authentic to a particular period: This definition applies to objects, practices, or styles that are characteristic of a specific time in the past. For example, a historical costume, a historical building, or a historical musical style.
4. Having significance in history: This definition emphasizes the importance of something in the past, its impact on the present, or its lasting influence. For example, a historical victory, a historical turning point, or a historical figure who had a profound impact on society.
Example sentences:
* "We visited the historical city of Rome." (relating to the past)
* "She is studying historical linguistics." (concerned with history)
* "The museum features historical artifacts from the Victorian era." (authentic to a particular period)
* "The Treaty of Versailles was a historical turning point in European history." (having significance in history)
The specific meaning of "historical" is often determined by the context in which it is used.