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historic building

historic building

7 4.1
A building that is important because of its history, design, or culture
  • noun
  • /hɪˈstɔrɪk ˈbɪldɪŋ/
translation icon : edificio histórico
  • The old courthouse is considered a historic building because it played a key role in many important legal cases.
  • restore historic buildings
  • preserve historic buildings
  • renovate historic buildings

Examples

  • I went to a hearing on the preservation of a historic building.

    Blog text (6)
  • For example, a historic preservation ordinance contained provisions allowing owners of historic buildings to transfer development rights to other area properties.

    Academic text (1990)
  • This is one of the most historic buildings in all of Chicago.

  • The North Fork has a number of local historical societies, most housed in historic buildings.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Hopefully, these changes will prevent other historic buildings from going the way of the Luzon.

    Blog text (9)
  • Sherbrook Village is a restored collection of historic buildings well worth a photo session.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Local people and artists have installed models and displays of the city's historic buildings and events along the main access path.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Lighthouse enthusiasts across the province volunteer to keep historic buildings like this one in good repair.

    Blog text (26)
  • The Palestinian organization Riwaq has begun a process of restoring the historic buildings for modern cultural use.

    Blog text (25)
  • I've always heard that Detroit has a dismal record of letting its historic buildings slide into decay.

    Blog text (27)

Synonyms

historical site
vshistoric building
4 3.7

A place that is important because of events or buildings from long ago

refers specifically to a constructed place notable for architecture or cultural importance
famous landmark
vshistoric building
3 1.7

A well known place or building that many people recognize

is defined by public recognition rather than historical importance
historical gem
vshistoric building
4.9

An old place like a building that is important and beautiful

is more neutral, focusing on official significance rather than beauty

Antonyms

234 3.5

Relating to new styles in art or music that break from old forms

How Historic

landmark
16 4.4
historic building
7 4.1
new-made
1 3.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

historic + building

The compound is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'historic' means notable for historical importance and 'building' is a physical edifice, so the meaning 'a building of historical significance' follows directly. This is a common, literal pattern found across languages and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituent words.

Etymology

The term historic building comes from the simple image of a building that is historic, a place with old walls, special design, or stories of important events. That's why it means 'a building important because of its history'.