History vs. Story: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
History is a record of past events, particularly in human affairs, while a story is a narrative, real or imagined, designed to entertain, educate, or convey a message.
Key Differences
History is based on factual events and real occurrences, typically involving detailed records and evidence. In contrast, a story can be either fictional or based on real events, often focusing more on narrative and entertainment.
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The purpose of history is to record, analyze, and understand past events, often to learn from them or understand the present. Stories are primarily told to entertain, convey morals, or express artistic creativity, regardless of their basis in fact or fiction.
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History is presented as a chronological sequence of events, emphasizing accuracy and context. Stories, whether fictional or based on real events, are structured for dramatic effect, character development, and thematic expression.
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History, while factual, is subject to interpretation and perspective, influenced by the historian’s viewpoint. Stories are inherently shaped by the author’s imagination or perspective, allowing for a wide range of interpretations and meanings.
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Historical accounts rely on primary sources, documents, and archeological evidence for accuracy. Stories, especially fictional ones, are created from the author's imagination, and even when based on real events, they focus more on narrative coherence than factual precision.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To record and analyze past events
To entertain, convey morals, or express creativity
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Structure
Chronological and context-oriented
Designed for dramatic effect and character development
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Interpretation
Subject to perspective but based on facts
Shaped by author's imagination or viewpoint
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Source Reliability
Based on primary sources and evidence
Can be fictional or loosely based on real events
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History and Story Definitions
History
The study of past events, particularly in human affairs.
She has a degree in history, focusing on medieval Europe.
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Story
A narrative, real or fictional, often designed to entertain.
Her latest story was a gripping mystery novel.
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History
A documented account of past events.
His book presents a detailed history of the civil rights movement.
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Story
A tale or anecdote, often with a moral or lesson.
He told a story about his childhood adventures.
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History
A chronological record of past events.
The history of ancient Rome fascinates many scholars.
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Story
An account of events, which can be real or imagined.
The film tells the story of an incredible historical event.
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History
The collective events that have shaped a society or era.
The museum’s exhibit depicts the history of aviation.
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Story
A descriptive report or narrative.
The journalist wrote a compelling story on the local election.
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History
The background or origin of an object or concept.
The history of the internet began in the late 20th century.
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Story
An account or report regarding the facts of an event or group of events
The witness changed her story under questioning.
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History
A chronological record of events, as of the life or development of a people or institution, often including an explanation of or commentary on those events
A history of the Vikings.
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History
A formal written account of related natural phenomena
A history of volcanoes.
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History
A record of a patient's general medical background
Took the patient's history.
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Story
A usually fictional prose or verse narrative intended to interest or amuse the hearer or reader; a tale.
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History
An established condition or pattern of behavior
An inmate with a history of mental illness and drug abuse.
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History
The branch of knowledge that records and analyzes past events
"History has a long-range perspective" (Elizabeth Gurley Flynn).
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History
The past events relating to a particular thing
The history of their rivalry is full of intrigue.
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History
The aggregate of past events or human affairs
Basic tools used throughout history.
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Story
Something viewed as or providing material for a literary or journalistic treatment
"He was colorful, he was charismatic, he was controversial, he was a good story" (Terry Ann Knopf).
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Story
The background information regarding something
What's the story on these unpaid bills?.
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History
(Slang) One that is no longer worth consideration
Why should we worry about him? He's history!.
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Story
A complete horizontal division of a building, constituting the area between two adjacent floors.
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History
The aggregate of past events.
History repeats itself if we don’t learn from its mistakes.
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History
The branch of knowledge that studies the past; the assessment of notable events.
He teaches history at the university.
History will not look kindly on these tyrants.
He dreams of an invention that will make history.
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History
The portion of the past that is known and recorded by this field of study, as opposed to all earlier and unknown times that preceded it (prehistory).
In all of human history and prehistory
In all recorded history
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Story
An account of real or fictional events.
The book tells the story of two roommates.
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History
(countable) A set of events involving an entity.
What is your medical history?
The family's history includes events best forgotten.
A long and sordid history
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History
(countable) A record or narrative description of past events.
I really enjoyed Shakespeare's tragedies more than his histories.
A short history of post-Columbian colonization
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Story
A soap opera.
What will she do without being able to watch her stories?
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History
A list of past and continuing medical conditions of an individual or family.
A personal medical history is required for the insurance policy.
He has a history of cancer in his family.
This diagnosis is usually based solely on the history and physical examination, although laboratory tests are occasionally also obtained.
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History
A record of previous user events, especially of visited web pages in a browser.
I visited a great site yesterday but forgot the URL. Luckily, I didn't clear my history.
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Story
A sequence of events, or a situation, such as might be related in an account.
What's the story with him?
I tried it again; same story, no error message, nothing happened.
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History
(informal) Something that no longer exists or is no longer relevant.
I told him that if he doesn't get his act together, he's history.
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Story
A chronological collection of pictures or short videos published by a user on an application or website that is typically only available for a short period.
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History
(uncountable) Shared experience or interaction.
There is too much history between them for them to split up now.
He has had a lot of history with the police.
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History
A learning or knowing by inquiry; the knowledge of facts and events, so obtained; hence, a formal statement of such information; a narrative; a description; a written record; as, the history of a patient's case; the history of a legislative bill.
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Story
A set of rooms on the same floor or level; a floor, or the space between two floors. Also, a horizontal division of a building's exterior considered architecturally, which need not correspond exactly with the stories within.
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History
A systematic, written account of events, particularly of those affecting a nation, institution, science, or art, and usually connected with a philosophical explanation of their causes; a true story, as distinguished from a romance; - distinguished also from annals, which relate simply the facts and events of each year, in strict chronological order; from biography, which is the record of an individual's life; and from memoir, which is history composed from personal experience, observation, and memory.
Histories are as perfect as the historian is wise, and is gifted with an eye and a soul.
For aught that I could ever read,Could ever hear by tale or history.
What histories of toil could I declare!
Justly Cæsar scorns the poet's lays;It is to history he trusts for praise.
No more yet of this;For 't is a chronicle of day by day,Not a relation for a breakfast.
Many glorious examples in the annals of our religion.
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Story
A narration or recital of that which has occurred; a description of past events; a history; a statement; a record.
One malcontent who did indeed get a name in story.
Venice, with its unique city and its Impressive story.
The four great monarchies make the subject of ancient story.
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Story
The relation of an incident or minor event; a short narrative; a tale; especially, a fictitious narrative less elaborate than a novel; a short romance.
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History
The aggregate of past events;
A critical time in the school's history
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History
The continuum of events occurring in succession leading from the past to the present and even into the future;
All of human history
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Story
To tell in historical relation; to make the subject of a story; to narrate or describe in story.
How worthy he is I will leave to appear hereafter, rather than story him in his own hearing.
It is storied of the brazen colossus in Rhodes, that it was seventy cubits high.
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History
A record or narrative description of past events;
A history of France
He gave an inaccurate account of the plot to kill the president
The story of exposure to lead
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Story
A message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program;
His narrative was interesting
Disney's stories entertain adults as well as children
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History
The discipline that records and interprets past events involving human beings;
He teaches Medieval history
History takes the long view
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Story
A piece of fiction that narrates a chain of related events;
He writes stories for the magazines
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History
All that is remembered of the past as preserved in writing; a body of knowledge;
The dawn of recorded history
From the beginning of history
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Story
Structure consisting of a room or set of rooms comprising a single level of a multilevel building;
What level is the office on?
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Story
A record or narrative description of past events;
A history of France
He gave an inaccurate account of the plot to kill the president
The story of exposure to lead
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Story
A short account of the news;
The report of his speech
The story was on the 11 o'clock news
The account of his speech that was given on the evening news made the governor furious
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Story
A trivial lie;
He told a fib about eating his spinach
How can I stop my child from telling stories?
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Story
A fictional creation involving characters and events.
The author is known for her imaginative story ideas.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is history always accurate?
History aims for accuracy but can be influenced by the perspectives of historians.
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Can history include stories?
Yes, history can include stories, but they are used to illustrate factual events.
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Are all stories fictional?
Not necessarily, stories can be based on real events or entirely fictional.
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Can a story be without characters?
Most stories involve characters, but some can be more abstract or conceptual.
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Do historical accounts change over time?
Yes, historical interpretations can evolve with new evidence or perspectives.
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Are stories always written?
Stories can be written, oral, or presented through various media like film or theater.
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Do stories need a plot?
Most stories have a plot, but some may focus more on mood, theme, or character.
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Is storytelling an art form?
Yes, storytelling is considered an art form, involving creativity and expression.
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Are historical events always well-documented?
Not all historical events are well-documented, leading to gaps in historical knowledge.
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Is history a science?
History is considered a social science, focusing on the study of past human activities.
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Can history be subjective?
The interpretation of historical facts can be subjective, influenced by different viewpoints.
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Can stories convey history?
Stories can convey historical events but often include artistic or narrative embellishments.
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Are stories important for culture?
Yes, stories play a crucial role in cultural expression and transmission.
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Can stories be used in education?
Yes, stories are often used in education for teaching and engaging students.
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Are historical facts always objective?
While facts are objective, their interpretation can be subjective.
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What makes a good story?
A good story typically involves engaging characters, a compelling plot, and a clear theme or message.
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Does history focus on cause and effect?
Yes, history often analyzes the causes and effects of past events.
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Can history be biased?
Historical accounts can contain biases, depending on the narrator’s perspective.
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How important are sources in history?
Sources are crucial in history for verifying the accuracy of historical accounts.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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