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history

n.
US //ˈhɪstɝi// UK //hˈɪstəɹˌi// his·to·ry
  1. 1 academic subject (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    the study of past events, especially as a subject in school or university.

    the academic discipline that examines and interprets past events through the analysis of records and evidence.

    Example

    She decided to study history because she was fascinated by the French Revolution.

    Example

    The university's history department recently published a groundbreaking study on the economic impact of the industrial revolution in northern England.
  2. 2 the past in general (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    all the things that happened in the past.

    the aggregate of past events or the period of time before the present.

    Example

    This old building has a long and interesting history.

    Example

    Throughout history, human civilisations have consistently settled near reliable water sources to ensure agricultural stability.
    • the past
    • yesteryear
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  1. 3 medical record (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

    a record of the illnesses or medical conditions you or your family have had.

    a chronological record of a patient's past and current medical conditions, treatments, and family health patterns.

    Example

    The doctor asked if there was a history of heart disease in my family.

    Example

    Before prescribing the new medication, the specialist carefully reviewed the patient's clinical history to check for potential drug interactions.
  2. 4 browser/computing record (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a list of the websites you have visited on your computer or phone.

    a digital log of previously visited web pages or user actions within an application.

    Example

    I forgot the name of the shop, so I checked my browser history to find the link.

    Example

    Privacy advocates recommend regularly clearing your search history to prevent third-party trackers from building a detailed profile of your interests.
  3. 5 finished or irrelevant (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    something or someone that is no longer important or no longer exists.

    a person or thing that is no longer relevant, influential, or in existence.

    Example

    If he fails this exam, his career at this company is history.

    Example

    Once the new technology was released, the older models became history almost overnight as consumers flocked to the more efficient version.
  4. 6 shared past (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a period of time where two people or groups have known each other.

    a shared background of interaction or experience between two or more parties.

    Example

    The two countries have a complicated history of both war and trade.

    Example

    Despite their current rivalry, the two CEOs have a long history of collaboration dating back to their early days at the same startup.
Origin

From Middle English historie, from Old French estoire, estorie (“chronicle, history, story”) (French histoire), from Latin historia, from Ancient Greek ἱστορίᾱ (historíā, “learning through research”), from ἱστορέω (historéō, “to research, inquire (and) record”), from ἵστωρ (hístōr, “the knowing, wise one”), from Proto-Indo-European *weyd- (“see, know”). Doublet of story and storey. Attested in Middle English in 1393 by John Gower, Confessio Amantis, which was aimed at an educated audience familiar with French and Latin.

Word family
Idioms3 entries

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