1.
history; origin; background; provenance
The story of how something came to be, its past history, or the chain of ownership or events leading to the present. Often used for objects, places, or people with notable backgrounds.
この建物の来歴を調べた。
I researched the history of this building.
美術品の来歴が明らかになった。
The provenance of the artwork was established.
彼は複雑な来歴を持つ人物で、波乱万丈の人生を送ってきた。
He is a person with a complex background who has led an eventful life.
USAGE:
来歴 is a somewhat formal word used when tracing the background or provenance of something. It is commonly used in art, antiques, and historical research.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 来歴を調べる (to investigate the history/provenance)
- 来歴が不明 (of unknown provenance)
- 来歴のある (with a notable history)
- 来歴を持つ (to have a history/background)
SIMILAR WORDS:
経歴 focuses on a person's career history or professional background. 由来 refers to the origin or etymology of a word, name, or custom. 来歴 is broader, covering the entire chain of history leading to the present state.