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Webster 1913 Edition

Epic

Ep′ic

,
Adj.
[L.
epicus
, Gr. [GREEK], from [GREEK] a word, speech, tale, song; akin to L.
vox
voice: cf. F.
épique
. See
Voice
.]
Narrated in a grand style; pertaining to or designating a kind of narrative poem, usually called an heroic poem, in which real or fictitious events, usually the achievements of some hero, are narrated in an elevated style.
The
epic
poem treats of one great, complex action, in a grand style and with fullness of detail.
T. Arnold.

Ep′ic

,
Noun.
An epic or heroic poem. See
Epic
,
Adj.

Webster 1828 Edition

Epic

EP'IC

,
Adj.
[L. epicus; Gr. a song, or to speak.] Narrative; containing narration; rehearsing. An epic poem, otherwise called heroic, is a poem which narrates a story, real or fictitious or both, representing, in an elevated style, some signal action or series of actions and events, usually the achievements of some distinguished hero, and intended to form the morals and affect the mind with the love of virtue. The matter of the poem includes the action of the fable, the incidents, episodes, characters, morals and machinery. The form includes the manner of narration, the discourses introduced, descriptions, sentiments, style, versification, figures and other ornaments. The end is to improve the morals, and inspire a love of virtue, bravery and illustrious actions.

Definition 2024

epic

epic

See also: EPIC

English

Alternative forms

Noun

epic ‎(plural epics)

  1. An extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a deity or demigod (heroic epic) or other legendary or traditional hero.
    The Icelandic epic took all night to recite.
  2. A series of events considered appropriate to an epic.
    The book was an epic in four volumes.
Synonyms
Derived terms
Translations

Adjective

epic ‎(comparative more epic, superlative most epic)

  1. Of, or relating to, an epic.
    Beowulf is an epic poem.
  2. Momentously heroic; grand in scale or character
    The epic defense was rewarded with the highest military decorations
    China's epic traffic jam "vanished" — AFP news story, Wednesday August 25, 2010
  3. (colloquial, slang, informal) Extending beyond the usual or ordinary; extraordinary, momentous, great.
    The after-prom party was epic.
Synonyms
Translations

Etymology 2

From epi-, from Ancient Greek ἐπί ‎(epí, “on top of”).

Adjective

epic ‎(not comparable)

  1. (category theory) Of a morphism: that it is an epimorphism.

Anagrams

Danish

Etymology

From English epic, from Latin epicus, from Ancient Greek ἐπικός ‎(epikós), from ἔπος ‎(épos, “word, story”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈɛpɪk/, da

Adjective

epic ‎(neuter epic, e-form epic)

  1. (colloquial, slang, informal) Extending beyond the usual or ordinary; extraordinary, momentous, great.
    Det var virkeligt epic.

Synonyms

Etymology

From Middle French épique, from Latin epicus, from Ancient Greek ἐπικός ‎(epikós), from ἔπος ‎(épos, “word, story”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈɛpɪk/
  • Rhymes: -ɛpɪk

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