Which one is correct?
"historic moment" or "historical moment"?

Question

Which one is correct?
"historic moment" or "historical moment"?

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Use 'historic moment' when referring to a moment that is important or momentous, regardless of its historical significance.

Examples:

Winning the championship was a historic moment for the team.
The birth of a child is a historic moment for a family.
The discovery of electricity was a historic moment in science.
The first manned flight was a historic moment in aviation.
The invention of the internet was a historic moment in technology.

Alternatives:

significant moment
momentous occasion
important moment
landmark moment
milestone event

Use 'historical moment' when referring to a moment that has historical significance or is related to the past.

Examples:

The moon landing was a historical moment in human history.
The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a historical moment for the United States.
The fall of the Berlin Wall was a historical moment in the Cold War.
The discovery of penicillin was a historical moment in the field of medicine.
The end of World War II was a historical moment for many countries.

Alternatives:

significant moment in history
momentous historical event
historic event
important historical moment
landmark moment in history

Both 'historical moment' and 'historic moment' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Historical moment' refers to a moment that is significant in history or related to the past, while 'historic moment' is used to describe a moment that is important or momentous in general. The choice between the two depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024