historic figure

USAGE SUMMARY

"historic figure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person who is noted for their significant contributions to the history of their region, culture, or field of study. For example: "Marie Curie was a historic figure in the field of science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She's a historic figure.

The New Yorker

Still, he remains a historic figure.

The New York Times

The protagonist is an historic figure of wide public appeal.

The Guardian

As the unifier of Germany, he is a historic figure.

The Economist

President Jacques Chirac of France yesterday mourned Mr. Senghor as a historic figure for Africa.

The New York Times

He was hailed as a historic figure and condemned as a tyrant.

The Guardian

"Maliki could have been a historic figure," Adil Abd al-Mahdi, the former Vice-President, said.

The New Yorker

This makes him, on the one hand, a living historic figure.

The New York Times

If the president is defeated he'll remain a historic figure, the first African-American president.

The New York Times

President Obama has described him as a historic figure, close friend and valued adviser.

The New York Times

But he is drawn to Uganda, where his grandfather was a historic figure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to someone as a "historic figure", ensure that their contributions or impact are widely recognized and documented in reliable historical sources.

Common error

Avoid labeling every notable person a "historic figure". Reserve the term for individuals whose impact has demonstrably shaped historical events or societal norms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "historic figure" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "historic" modifies the noun "figure". It describes a person recognized for their significant role or impact in history. Ludwig AI examples show how it is used to identify individuals with lasting importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Arts

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "historic figure" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe someone with significant historical impact. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is generally neutral and suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media. When writing, make sure that the contributions of the person are well known and documented. Alternatives include "historical personality" and "significant historical person". While the phrase is versatile, reserve it for individuals whose impact has demonstrably shaped historical events, as the examples from Ludwig suggest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

historical personality

Emphasizes the individual's character and impact within a historical context.

significant historical person

Directly highlights the person's importance to history.

legendary individual

Implies a level of fame and possibly myth surrounding the person.

historical icon

Suggests a symbolic representation of a particular era or movement.

person of historical significance

A more formal way to express the person's importance to history.

major historical player

Highlights the person's active role in shaping historical events.

figure of historical note

Indicates that the person is worthy of being remembered in history.

important historical actor

Focuses on the person's actions and their effect on historical outcomes.

historically important person

Reorders the words while retaining the core meaning.

one for the history books

An idiomatic expression suggesting someone or something remarkable and destined to be remembered.

FAQs

How can I use "historic figure" in a sentence?

You can use "historic figure" to describe someone who has had a lasting impact on history. For example, "Nelson Mandela is considered a "historic figure" for his role in ending apartheid".

What are some alternatives to saying "historic figure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "historical personality", "significant historical person", or "legendary individual".

Is it appropriate to call a living person a "historic figure"?

While it is more common to refer to deceased individuals as "historic figures", it is acceptable to use the term for a living person whose contributions are already widely recognized as historically significant. However, exercise caution, as their legacy may not be fully determined.

What distinguishes a "historic figure" from a "famous person"?

While both terms denote recognition, a "historic figure" is specifically known for their impact on historical events or societal change, whereas a "famous person" may be known for other reasons, such as entertainment or sports.