historic & historical

[fadysandy]

What's the difference??

 

[bhaisahab]

What's the difference??

That astronauts walked on the moon was historic, no one had ever done it before.
That the Normans invaded England in 1066 is an historical fact.

 

[5jj]

That the Normans invaded England in 1066 is an historical fact.

Before anybody asks, bhaisahab's use of an is not incorrect. For some BrE speakers (usually of more mature years), the initial 'h' in words stresed on the second syllable is not pronounced.

 

[Barb_D]

I use "an" with 'istoric as well.

I have to look this up ALL THE TIME.
Without disagreeing with the example at all, here is usage note that may help you from the American Heritage Dictionary:
Usage Note: Historic and historical have different usages, though their senses overlap. Historic refers to what is important in history: the historic first voyage to the moon. It is also used of what is famous or interesting because of its association with persons or events in history: a historic house. Historical refers to whatever existed in the past, whether regarded as important or not: a minor historical character. Historical also refers to anything concerned with history or the study of the past: a historical novel; historical discoveries. While these distinctions are useful, these words are often used interchangeably, as in historic times or historical times.

 

[fadysandy]

Thank you so much bhaisahab , fivejedjon and Barb_D