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epic

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An epic is defined as a story or long poem telling the tale of a fictional or historical hero.

(noun)

An example of epic is Milton's Paradise Lost.

The definition of epic is something that refers to a heroic story or something that is heroic or grand.

(adjective)

An example of epic is a big production movie with story sequels such as the Star Wars series.

See epic in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a long narrative poem in a dignified style about the deeds of a traditional or historical hero or heroes; typically,
1. a poem like the Iliad or the Odyssey, with certain formal characteristics (beginning in medias res, catalog passages, invocations of the muse, etc.)
  called classical epic
2. a poem like Milton's Paradise Lost, in which such characteristics are applied to later or different materials
  called art epic or literary epic
3. a poem like Beowulf, considered as expressing the early ideals and traditions of a people or nation
  called folk epic or national epic
any long narrative poem regarded as having the style, structure, and importance of an epic, as Dante's Divine Comedy
a prose narrative, play, film, etc. regarded as having the qualities of an epic
a series of events regarded as a proper subject for an epic

Origin: L epicus < Gr epikos, (adj.) epic < epos, a word, speech, song, epic < IE *wekwos-, word < base *wekw-, to speak > L vox, OE woma, noise

adjective

of an epic
having the nature of an epic; specif.,
also epical
1. heroic; grand; majestic; imposing
2. dealing with or characterized by events of historical or legendary importance

Related Forms:

epically adverb

See epic in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero.
A literary or dramatic composition that resembles an extended narrative poem celebrating heroic feats.
A series of events considered appropriate to an epic: the epic of the Old West.

adjective

Of, constituting, having to do with, or suggestive of a literary epic: an epic poem.
Surpassing the usual or ordinary, particularly in scope or size: “A vast musical panorama . . . it requires an epic musical understanding to do it justice” (Tim Page).
Heroic and impressive in quality: “Here in the courtroom . . . there was more of that epic atmosphere, the extra amperage of a special moment” (Scott Turow).

Origin:

Origin: From Latin epicus

Origin: , from Greek epikos

Origin: , from epos, word, song; see wek^w- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: