epic

¹ep·ic

adj \ˈe-pik\

Definition of EPIC

1

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an epic <an epic poem>

2

a : extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope <his genius was epic — Times Literary Supplement> b : heroic

— ep·i·cal \-pi-kəl\ adjective

— ep·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of EPIC

1. The football game was an epic battle between two great teams.
2. The bridge was an epic achievement.
3. The company is engaged in an epic struggle for survival.
4. an accomplishment of epic proportions

Origin of EPIC

Latin epicus, from Greek epikos, from epos word, speech, poem — more at voice

First Known Use: 1589

Related to EPIC

Synonyms: august, baronial, grand, gallant, glorious, grandiose, heroic (also heroical), Homeric, imperial, imposing, magnific, magnificent, majestic, massive, monumental, noble, proud, regal, royal, splendid, stately

Antonyms: humble, unheroic, unimposing, unimpressive

Related Words: colossal, monstrous, prodigious, stupendous, tremendous; kingly, lordly, princely, queenly; awesome, awful, cosmic (also cosmical), sublime, wondrous; formidable, impressive, prepossessing, redoubtable; apocalyptic (also apocalyptical), inflated, operatic, overblown, pompous; marvelous (or marvellous), superb, terrific, wonderful; extravagant, lavish, luxurious, opulent, palatial, palatine, sumptuous; gorgeous, resplendent, splendiferous; extraordinary, killer, remarkable, sensational, striking; celestial, divine, heavenly

Near Antonyms: lowly, modest, unprepossessing; average, common, mediocre, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, second-rate; abject, mean, meretricious, shabby, sordid; insignificant, measly, paltry, petty, puny, trifling, trivial

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Other Literature Terms

apophasis, bathos, bildungsroman, bowdlerize, caesura, coda, doggerel, euphemism, poesy, prosody