heroic
hih-ROH-ik
/hɪˈrəʊ.ɪk/
Having the characteristics of a hero; admirably brave, grand, or determined.
Associated with grand, legendary, or extraordinary actions that save or inspire others.
The story behind the word. Traced to Ancient Greek 'heros', referring to legendary figures or demigods who protected humanity. It passed through Latin 'heroicus' into English to describe grand, noble courage.
Word relationships
- valiant: Valiant stresses moral determination in fight; heroic carries grander legendary resonance.
- courageous: Courageous is neutral and personal; heroic implies impressive, admirable impact.
- cowardly: Lacking bravery.
- ignoble: Lacking honor or moral stature.
Commonly confused with
- heroine: Heroine is a female hero or a drug (heroin), spelled differently.
Word family
- hero (noun): a person admired for courage or achievements
- heroically (adverb): in a heroic manner
- heroism (noun): great bravery
Collocations
- heroic effort
- heroic deed
- heroic stature
- heroic proportions
Idioms & expressions
- heroic measures
Example sentences
- "Firefighters made heroic efforts to rescue residents trapped on the upper floors." Emergency response
- "The epic poem celebrates the heroic deeds of ancient mythic warriors." Literary history
Memory hook
HERO + IC = like a HERO. Legendary courage in action.
When not to use
Do not use for minor, mundane acts of polite helpfulness.
Fun facts
- In ancient Greece, a 'heros' was specifically a deceased ancestor or legend who was worshipped at a shrine for protecting a town.
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