epochal
UK[ˈiːpɒkl̩]US[ˈepəkəl]
adj
Relating to or marking a significant period of time or a major change in history.
Morpheme Breakdown
epoch
al
epoch
a fixed point in time, pause
al
of, relating to, or characterized by
Etymology
The word 'epochal' is built upon the noun 'epoch', which entered English in the early 17th century from Latin epocha, itself borrowed from Greek epokhē, meaning 'a pause, fixed point, or cessation'. In astronomy, it denoted a fixed reference point from which time is measured. The suffix '-al', of Latin origin, is added to form the adjective meaning 'pertaining to an epoch'. Thus, the literal construction 'relating to a fixed point in time' evolved to signify something so significant it defines or characterizes an entire era, marking a major historical turning point.
Analysis
Structure: epoch + al
- epoch: From Greek epokhē via Latin epocha, meaning 'a fixed point in time, pause'.
- al: A suffix of Latin origin (-alis) forming adjectives meaning 'of, relating to, or characterized by'.
Examples
The invention of the printing press was an epochal event in human history.
The scientist made an epochal discovery that changed our understanding of the universe.
The fall of the Berlin Wall was an epochal moment for global politics.