history

[his-tuh-ree, his-tree]

noun

plural

histories 

1. the branch of knowledge dealing with past events.

2. a continuous, systematic narrative of past events as relating to a particular people, country, period, person, etc., usually written as a chronological account; chronicle.

   a history of France;

   a medical history of the patient.

   Synonyms: annals, record

3. the aggregate of past events.

4. the record of past events and times, especially in connection with the human race.

5. a past notable for its important, unusual, or interesting events.

   a ship with a history.

6. acts, ideas, or events that will or can shape the course of the future; immediate but significant happenings.

   Firsthand observers of our space program see history in the making.

7. a systematic account of any set of natural phenomena without particular reference to time.

   a history of the American eagle.

8. a drama representing historical events.

   Shakespeare's comedies, histories, and tragedies.

history

/ ˈhɪstrɪ, ˈhɪstərɪ /

noun

1. 1. a record or account, often chronological in approach, of past events, developments, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a history book

      a history play

2. all that is preserved or remembered of the past, esp in written form

3. the discipline of recording and interpreting past events involving human beings

4. past events, esp when considered as an aggregate

5. an event in the past, esp one that has been forgotten or reduced in importance

   their quarrel was just history

6. the past, background, previous experiences, etc, of a thing or person

   the house had a strange history

7. computing a stored list of the websites that a user has recently visited

8. a play that depicts or is based on historical events

9. a narrative relating the events of a character's life

   the history of Joseph Andrews

Other Word Forms

• underhistory noun
• unhistory noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of history¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English historie, from Latin historia, from Greek historía “learning or knowing by inquiry, history”; derivative of hístōr “one who knows or sees; learned”; akin to wit ², video, Veda

Word History and Origins

Origin of history¹

C15: from Latin historia, from Greek: enquiry, from historein to narrate, from histōr judge

Idioms and Phrases

see ancient history; go down (in history); make history; (history) repeats itself.

Synonym Study

See narrative.

Example Sentences

“Mr. Rivera had a known history of cardiac issues, which were consistent with the findings,” Dutrow said.

From Los Angeles Times

Andy joins the longer history of a franchise wherein the androids are often at odds with Isaac Asimov’s classic Three Laws of Robotics.

From Salon

The prop was used during extensive filming at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire and was described by Mr Alinger as one of the most recognised props in the history of the film.

From BBC

Ms Lanuszka had no history of conduct problems and had not received any warnings, he said.

From BBC

The youngest Australian to appear at a Women's Rugby World Cup, the 18-year-old knows her history as well as she makes it.

From BBC

Related Words

• account 
• annals 
• biography 
• record 
• relation 
• story 
• tale