historical moment vs historic moment

Both phrases are correct, but they're used in slightly different contexts. 'Historical moment' refers to a moment that's significant in history or related to the past, while 'historic moment' describes a moment that's important or momentous in general. The choice between the two phrases depends on the specific nuance you'd like to convey.

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Last updated: March 09, 2025 • 5895 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a moment that is significant in history or related to the past.

"historical moment"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

Two Psalms enlighten and help us understand the historical moment.
It was a historical moment for the whole region.
In this historical moment the limit of capitalistic way of production is showing in its drama; Capital is going through a deep economic, social and political crisis.
The countdown begins to this historical moment.
That today we have arrived at the historical moment of its suicide.
The Communication offers a new platform to address the historical moment being offered to us.
This march can become an unprecedented phenomenon that puts us in a new historical moment.
We live in a historical moment in which friendship undergoes a deep crisis.
And nevertheless at that historical moment Montini saw difficulties arising from an alliance with the Socialists.
It was an enormous, enormous historical moment.
Margaret, this is a historical moment.
Another historical moment, a window into reality... an event never attempted live on television before... and coming to you on The Crazy Daisy Show.
At this historical moment the front lines are shifted, and the working class wages civil war against the state of its own "fatherland".
Gobatti's enormous success was achieved in a historical moment of confusion in the Italian musical art.
Search for a particular historical moment?
The famous square of Mexico was crowded; it was an historical moment, unforgettable.
Meanwhile on a drama background of big-time politics in Kobrin district there were comical events which forced to forget the population about all other completely clashing with the endured historical moment.
However, during one of the presentations participants were reminded of a historical moment in the congregation.
Too bad, we were already ready with our cameras to immortalize that historical moment...
Today for example, it's strictly connected to the historical moment that we are living.

Alternatives:

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

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a moment that is important or momentous in general.

"historic moment"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

Mr President, your election was an historic moment.
Correspondent Jeri Kelter reports on this historic moment.
We met Cardinal Achille Silvestrini thirty years from that historic moment.
Thank you for joining me for this historic moment in history.
It's an historic moment for Eureka.
This is a great and historic moment.
Welcome to our special coverage of this historic moment.
But at this historic moment we will hopefully agree to an interinstitutional agreement.
It's a privilege to witness such a historic moment.
At this historic moment for the Middle East, those brave protesters need our support.
We have reached a historic moment.
Be an historic moment for L.A.
We are living in a historic moment, gentlemen.
I consider that we are experiencing an historic moment in this regard.
I rejoice to be able to be present at this historic moment.
Dear brothers, we are living a not easy historic moment.
It is a historic moment that does not come very often.
This is a historic moment of transition.
This historic moment should not be missed.
WYD has been an historic moment and a wonderful experience.

Alternatives:

significant moment
momentous occasion
important moment
landmark moment
milestone event

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historical moment vs historic moment

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