epic
UK: ˈep.ɪk | US: ˈep.ɪk
n. a long narrative poem celebrating heroic deeds
adj. grand in scale or character; heroic
adj. (informal) exceptionally impressive or remarkable
epic = ep<upon> + ic<adjective suffix>
- ep (from Greek epi, meaning "upon, at, close to")
- ic (adjective-forming suffix, from Latin -icus, indicating "pertaining to")
Etymology Origin:
The word epic traces back to the Greek epikos, derived from epos (meaning "word, song, tale"). Originally tied to oral traditions, it described grand narratives of heroic exploits (e.g., Homer’s Iliad). The morpheme ep- reflects the idea of "upon" or "extending over," suggesting a story that looms large in cultural significance. Over time, epic expanded beyond poetry to describe anything monumental or awe-inspiring.
The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic about the Trojan War.
The film’s battle scenes were truly epic in scale.
She recounted her epic journey across the Himalayas.
His failure was so dramatic it became an epic meme.
The team’s comeback victory was nothing short of epic.