epic
UK[ˈepɪk]US[ˈepɪk]
n
a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation.
adj
relating to or characteristic of an epic or epics.
adj
heroic or grand in scale or character.
Etymology
the word 'epic' entered english in the late 16th century via latin 'epicus', from the greek adjective 'epikos', which is derived from 'epos', meaning 'word, song, or tale'. in its ancient greek context, 'epos' referred specifically to a narrative poem delivered in a formal, elevated style, often recounting heroic exploits. the term's journey from a general word for 'speech' to a specific literary genre illustrates the cultural elevation of heroic storytelling. its modern, extended adjectival sense, meaning 'grand in scale', directly follows from the monumental themes and length characteristic of the epic poem tradition.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from latin and greek. it is not productively formed from separable english morphemes.
Examples
homer's iliad is a classic example of an ancient greek epic.
the film depicted the epic struggle for survival in the arctic wilderness.
they embarked on an epic journey across the continent.