What does "epic" mean?
Acronym of explicitly parallel instruction computing.
Epic
/ˈɛp.ɪk/ adj, name, noun, slang
adj, name, noun, slang ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Acronym of explicitly parallel instruction computing.
- Grammar: epic is listed as adj, name, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: heroic poem, abysmal, account, alba.
- Useful contrasts: short ditty, bagatelles, ballad.
- Usage evidence: Amazing! This moving a story is a first for me! It's truly an epic among epics!
How to use "epic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "epic" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "epic" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "epic" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "epic" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "epic" is acting as adj, name, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "heroic poem" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "epic", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Acronym of explicitly parallel instruction computing. abbreviation, acronym, alt-of
- 2 An extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a deity, demigod (heroic epic), other legend or traditional hero.
"The Icelandic epic took all night to recite."
- 3 Alternative letter-case form of epic (“extended narrative poem”); especially a poem within a particular tradition of epics. alt-of
"He calls for a special kind of instrument, bearing a name which smacks of the Norse Epics—a “Nibling.”"
- 4 a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds wordnet
- 5 Acronym of epitaxial integrated circuit. abbreviation, acronym, alt-of
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A series of events considered appropriate to an epic; any work of literature, film, etc. having heroic deeds and adventures as its subject matter.
"The book was an epic in four volumes."
- 7 A large or extended user story.
"Epics are shown in a separate list from user stories. This is because it is the user stories that are developed, not epics. Epics are decomposed into child user stories."
Adjective
- 1 Of or relating to an epic.
"Beowulf is an epic poem."
- 2 That is an epimorphism. not-comparable
- 3 Alternative letter-case form of epic (“relating to epic poems”). alt-of, dated
"But the absolute isolation which marks the narrative of the Bundehesh, not a trace of any analogous record being found either in the Zend-Avesta or in the Epic tradition, as collected by Firdouzi, Ḫamza, and the other writers of the Musselman epoch, is of a nature to inspire great doubts in regard to its character as a genuine Iranian legend."
- 4 Momentously heroic; grand in scale or character
"The epic defense was rewarded with the highest military decorations"
- 5 Pertaining to a dialect characteristic of epic poems, especially Epic Greek.
"Every δῆμος [dêmos] had one or more towns (πόλεις [poleis]), and accordingly for the complete description of the land, usual in the Epic phraseology, both expressions are commonly united […]"
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Extending beyond the usual or ordinary. colloquial, informal, slang
"The after-prom party was truly epic."
- 7 Extending beyond the usual or ordinary.; Extremely impressive or remarkable. colloquial, informal, slang
Adjective
- 1 very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary (especially in size or scale) wordnet
- 2 constituting or having to do with or suggestive of a literary epic wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 Acronym of Estates and Protected Individuals Code. abbreviation, acronym, alt-of
- 2 Acronym of East Plano Islamic Center. abbreviation, acronym, alt-of
"The Texas Rangers investigation is one of at least five announced investigations targeting EPIC or EPIC City. Those include investigations led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas State Board of Securities and the Texas Funeral Service Commission."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Amazing! This moving a story is a first for me! It's truly an epic among epics!"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "epic"?
Common synonyms include: heroic poem, abysmal, account, alba, anacreontic, anecdotage.
How do you use "epic" in a sentence?
Amazing! This moving a story is a first for me! It's truly an epic among epics!
How do you pronounce "epic"?
Pronounced /ˈɛp.ɪk/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle French épique, from Latin epicus, from Ancient Greek ἐπικός (epikós), from ἔπος (épos, “word, story”).
Etymology 2
From epi-, from Ancient Greek ἐπί (epí, “on top of”).