historical record
Noun: 1. A written account or documentation of past events: A "historical record" refers to a document, collection of documents, or other form of writing that provides factual information about past events, people, or periods. It is distinguished from fiction, legend, or myth by its basis in evidence and its intent to document reality. 2. The totality of such documentation: The phrase can also refer to the complete body of known documentation about the past, forming the primary source material for historical study.
The term "historical record" is used to emphasize the factual, documented nature of information about the past. It is often invoked in discussions about evidence, accuracy, and legacy. - It is commonly preceded by articles like "the," "a," or "an." - It often appears with verbs like "consult," "examine," "preserve," "enter," or "correct."
- As a specific document:
- The diary serves as an invaluable historical record of life during the war.
- Archaeologists found clay tablets that provide a historical record of ancient trade.
- Referring to the collective evidence:
- According to the historical record, the treaty was signed in 1783.
- Her achievements are firmly established in the historical record.
- "To set/put the historical record straight": To correct a widely believed inaccuracy or misconception about a past event.
- The historian wrote the book to set the historical record straight about the battle's true outcome.
- "To enter/go down in the historical record": To be documented and remembered as part of history.
- His speech will go down in the historical record as a defining moment.
- Record (n): A piece of evidence or information constituting an account of something that has occurred. (A broader term that can include non-historical documents).
- Chronicle (n): A factual written account of important or historical events in the order of their occurrence. (A type of historical record).
- Archive (n): A collection of historical documents or records providing information about a place, institution, or group of people. (The place where historical records are kept).
- Documentation: Material that provides official information or evidence.
- Annals: A record of events year by year.
- Archival material: Documents held in an archive.
- Primary source: An original document or physical object created during the time under study, serving as a direct historical record.
- Historical evidence: The broader body of information (including artifacts and records) used to understand the past.
- writing having historical value (as opposed to fiction or myth etc.)