epic Definition
- 1a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures
- 2a long film, book, or other work portraying heroic deeds and adventures or covering an extended period of time
Using epic: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "epic" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The Iliad and The Odyssey are two of the most famous epic poems.
Example
The Lord of the Rings is an epic fantasy novel.
Example
The movie Titanic is an epic romance-drama film.
epic Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with epic
a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events
Example
Achilles is considered one of the greatest epic heroes in Greek mythology.
a long and difficult journey undertaken by a hero or group of heroes, often involving challenges and obstacles
Example
Frodo's epic journey to destroy the One Ring is the central plot of The Lord of the Rings.
a large-scale and significant battle between two opposing forces, often with high stakes and dramatic consequences
Example
The Battle of Thermopylae is one of the most famous epic battles in history.
Origins of epic
from Greek 'epos', meaning 'song, poem'
Summary: epic in Brief
The term 'epic' [ˈɛpɪk] refers to a long poem or story that narrates the heroic deeds and adventures of legendary figures. It can also refer to a long film or book that portrays such deeds and adventures. Examples include The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Lord of the Rings. Phrases like 'epic hero,' 'epic journey,' and 'epic battle' denote specific aspects of the genre.