What does an epic mean Meaning and Definition
What does an epic mean
Pronunciation
/ˈɛpɪk/
Part of Speech
Proper Noun and an adjective
Definition
A long, narrative poem or a work of heroic prose in elevated language, typically in verse, that celebrates the achievements of a heroic figure, often in a remote time and place. It can also be a very long and skillfully written story, typically about a hero or brave person.
Examples
- The book was an epic tale of love and loss.
- The poem was an epic celebration of the warrior’s bravery.
Synonyms
- Tragedy
- Odyssey
- Epos
Antonyms
- Trifle
- Trivial
Etymology
The word ‘epic’ comes from the Greek word ‘ epikós’, which means “adventurous” or “heroic”. The term has been used in ancient Greek literature to describe large-scale narrative poems, such as Homer’s ‘The Iliad’ and ‘The Odyssey’.
Usage Notes
The term ‘epic’ is often used to describe a long and complex narrative, whether it’s a poem, a novel, or even a film. It’s often associated with grand, heroic themes, but it can also be used to describe something that’s simply long and complex.
Cultural References
- The term ‘epic’ has been used to describe many famous works of literature, including John Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ and James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’.
- The term ‘epic’ has also been used to describe films, such as ‘Star Wars’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- an epic fail
- an epic battle
Related Words or Phrases
The term ‘epic’ is closely related to other words, such as ‘heroic’, ‘adventurous’, and ‘legendary’.
Collocations
- a long, epic journey
- an epic tale of love and loss
Frequency of Use
The term ‘epic’ is a relatively formal term, and it’s not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, it’s widely used in literature, film, and popular culture.
Common Misspellings
- epik
- epicic
- epyc
Additional Information
The term ‘epic’ is often associated with grand, heroic themes, but it can also be used to describe something that’s simply long and complex. In literature, an epic poem is a long narrative poem that tells a heroic story, often in verse. The term ‘epic’ has been used to describe many famous works of literature, including John Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ and James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’. In popular culture, the term ‘epic’ is often used to describe films, such as ‘Star Wars’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’.
The term ‘epic’ has a long history, and it has been used in many different contexts over the centuries. In ancient Greek literature, the term ‘epic’ was used to describe large-scale narrative poems, such as Homer’s ‘The Iliad’ and ‘The Odyssey’. In modern times, the term ‘epic’ is often used to describe something that’s simply long and complex, whether it’s a poem, a novel, or even a film.