epic
EP-ik
/ˈepɪk/
A long narrative poem or story telling of a hero's deeds; (adj.) heroic or grand in scale.
In literature, it specifically requires a hero of national importance and a vast setting. In slang, it just means 'really great.'
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'epikos,' which comes from 'epos,' meaning 'word,' 'story,' or 'song.' It originally referred to the oral tradition of chanting long stories about heroes to the accompaniment of a lyre.
Word relationships
- saga: A saga is specifically a long story of family or Icelandic history, often prose rather than poetry.
- vignette: A vignette is a short, descriptive sketch, the opposite of a long, sweeping epic.
Commonly confused with
- legend: An epic is a specific literary form (usually long and poetic); a legend is a story that may or may not be written down.
Word family
- epically (adverb): In an epic manner.
Collocations
- epic poem
- epic proportions
- epic journey
- heroic epic
Idioms & expressions
- of epic proportions
Example sentences
- "The Iliad is a foundational epic of Western literature, detailing the final weeks of the Trojan War." Classical Literature
- "The film was an epic production, involving thousands of extras and years of filming on location." Modern Cinema
Memory hook
Think of 'E.P.I.C.': Extraordinary People In Conflict. Grand scale, grand hero.
When not to use
In formal writing, avoid using 'epic' as a synonym for 'cool' or 'awesome.'
Fun facts
- The 'Epic of Gilgamesh' is considered the oldest surviving work of great literature, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia.
Also appears in
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