historia
[hɪsˈtɔ.ri.a]
The English word history translates to Latin as historia.
The word refers to the branch of knowledge that studies the past.
Meaning: branch of knowledge that studies the past (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun historia changes form depending on its role in a sentence. The accusative singular form is historiam. The genitive singular form, meaning "of history", is historiae and the genitive plural form, meaning "of histories", is historiarum. For the dative plural, meaning "to/for histories", use historiis.
Did you know?
- In Latin, historia could refer to a 'story' or a 'narrative' regardless of whether the events actually happened. It functioned more like the English word 'tale' than the modern academic 'history'.
- The Greek root of historia comes from hístōr, meaning a 'judge' or 'expert'. This links the concept of history to the legal act of weighing evidence and delivering a verdict.
- Roman historians often viewed historia as a branch of rhetoric. The goal was often to provide a moral lesson or a persuasive argument rather than a neutral report of dates.
Examples in context
- Historia lux est veritatis.History is the light of truth.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use historia.Tatoeba #5093044 by alexmarcelo, translation #5093339 by CarpeLanam
- Historia est magistra vitae.History is the teacher of life.Tatoeba #5089673 by alexmarcelo, translation #580447 by FeuDRenais2
- Historiam quam geographiam malo.I prefer history to geography.Tatoeba #8596684 by shekitten, translation #259417 by CK
- Historia RomanaThe history of Rome
- Julius Caesar est figura historica insignis.Julius Caesar is a notable historical figure.
- Vetustas urbium multas mutationes vidit.The age of cities has witnessed many changes.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gaius and Aurelia are discussing their studies at a library.
- GaiusStudēsne historiae?Do you study history?
- AureliaIta, historia mihi valde placet.Yes, I like history very much.
- GaiusHistoria est res optima.History is a wonderful thing.
- AureliaVerum est, Gai.That is true, Gaius.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “history” translations and entries historia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries historia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
