First Known Use: 1589
Dictionary
1epic
adjective ep·ic \ˈe-pik\
: telling a story about a hero or about exciting events or adventures
: very great or large and usually difficult or impressive
Full 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
See epic defined for English-language learners
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Origin of EPIC
Latin epicus, from Greek epikos, from epos word, speech, poem — more at voice
Related to EPIC
Other Literature Terms
2epic
noun
: a long poem that tells the story of a hero's adventures
: a long book, movie, etc., that usually tells a story about exciting events or adventures
Full Definition of EPIC
1
: a long narrative poem in elevated style recounting the deeds of a legendary or historical hero <the Iliad and the Odyssey are epics>
2
: a work of art (as a novel or drama) that resembles or suggests an epic
3
: a series of events or body of legend or tradition thought to form the proper subject of an epic <the epic of the winning of the West>
See epic defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EPIC
1706
Other Literature Terms
EPIC Defined for Kids
1epic
noun ep·ic \ˈe-pik\
Definition of EPIC for Kids
: a long poem that tells the story of a hero's deeds
2epic
adjective
Definition of EPIC for Kids
1
: telling a great and heroic story <an epic poem>
2
: heroic or impressive because of great size or effort <A large crowd … had gathered to witness the epic ascent. — Brian Jacques, Redwall>
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