Meaning & Definition of word "History"

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    History

    /ˈhɪstəri/

    noun:

    • 1. The study of past events, particularly in human affairs.
      • Example: She is taking a course in European history at the university.
    • 2. A continuous, systematic narrative of past events as relating to a particular people, country, period, person, etc.
      • Example: The history of America includes the colonization by Europeans.
    • 3. The past events connected with someone or something.
      • Example: The company has a rich history of innovation and success.
    • 4. A record of past events and times, often including an explanation of their causes.
      • Example: The history of art is filled with fascinating movements and figures.
    • 5. The entirety of past events and experiences.
      • Example: Every culture has a history that shapes its present and future.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old French 'estoire', from Latin 'historia', from Greek 'historia' meaning 'inquiry, knowledge, saga'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    History repeats itself:

    The concept that events from the past tend to recur in similar forms.

    A part of history:

    Something that is important and significant in the record of past events.

    In the annals of history:

    In the official record of historical events.

    Related Words

    historian:

    A person who studies or writes about history.

    historic:

    Famous or important in history, or potentially so.

    historical:

    Related to history; based on history.

    Slang Meanings of history

    Meaning: History being used as a metaphor for past relationships.

    Example Sentence: We broke up a year ago, but that’s old history now.

    Meaning: To refer to an event that is permanently remembered or acknowledged.

    Example Sentence: Her contribution to the project will go down in history.