B2noun3K

Historian

UK /["/hɪˈstɔːriən/"]/US /["/hɪˈstɔːriən/"]/

Definition

a person who studies or writes about history; an expert in history

In simple words: A person who studies or writes about history.

Examples

  • No serious historian today accepts this theory.
  • Revisionist historians have questioned the accepted version of events.
  • She is a writer as well as a distinguished modern historian.
  • The oldest tradition goes back to the contemporary historian John Foxe.
  • What will future historians make of the late 20th century?
  • a talk given by an eminent social historian
  • the official historian of the Labour Party
  • the official historian of the United States Army

Usage notes

Use 'historian' when talking about someone specialized in history. It is appropriate in academic and professional contexts but less common in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'history' and 'an' — a person who studies history.

Collocations

  • distinguished
  • eminent
  • great

Synonyms

  • historical scholar
  • chronicler
  • historical researcher
  • archivist
  • antiquarian

Antonyms

  • novice
  • ignoramus
  • amateur

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'history' — remember 'historian' refers to the person, not the subject.
  • Using 'historian' to mean any history enthusiast, when it can imply a professional.
  • Spelling errors such as 'historin' or 'historien'.