Surely in a conversation you came across this word, said in a fit of emotion, when the usual epithets are not enough. "An epic story!" - perhaps the most common context of it. It is possible that you yourself are actively using this word, but you do not know the exact meaning.
At a certain intuitive level, based on general knowledge, cultural views instilled in society and elementary verbal formulas, we are aware of what it is. In order to make sure of the correctness of using this very bright epithet, we will get to know him better.
In our article, we will address the definition of this adverb. Epic - how is it? We are interested in the meaning of the word and the context in which it will be appropriate. We will try to highlight the issue so that the reader has a complete impression of the concept in question.
Primary value
The word "epic" is an adverb. It is derived from the adjective "epic" ("epic"). In turn, this unit of language is derived from the noun "epic". It denotes a kind of literary heritage.
Recall: the epic describes events that took place a long time, occupying a very long period of time. Such literary works are characterized by a description of actions to which the narrator is not related.
Initially, it was believed that the epic is one that relates to the epic. There have been some changes to date. Now, however, we know the original meaning of the word "epic." How this adverb is used today still, we will consider further.
Values in the modern context
The modern meaning of the word in question was somewhat transformed, overgrown with shades. It is used now in various contexts. However, one common feature can be traced in them - a certain scale of action characterized by the word. The most epic contexts can be described as follows.
The word form is used "epic" in relation to works of art, but now not only literary. An epic may be a picture, a musical symphony, a poem, a theatrical production as a symbiosis of several types of art. With this use of an adverb, a person is guided either by the objective properties of the work (the length of the melody, the size of the picture, the coverage of the plot), but more often - by his own feelings.
You can also add imagery, but already expressing sarcastic notes, with the help of the word "epic." Sometimes, calling so any piece of art, a feeling of excessive pathos is put into this characteristic. For example, epic words belonging to the character of a work or a real interlocutor can be speeches filled with excessive emotions, intentionally or unintentionally redundant.
Synonyms
To familiarize with the meaning of the word "epic" of those readers who still have unexplained moments, we give synonyms for the meaning.
So, often those objects and phenomena that deserve the title of epic can also be called grandiose, majestic. Distant synonyms cause violent emotions, are remembered. That is, in addition to the word "epic", as we would like to ascribe to this or that seen moment, there are other options. It remains only for our choice.
Other use of the word
The word "epic" has long been used in various contexts that arise in everyday life. After all, the most ordinary, at first glance, situations can have tremendous significance.
The epic moments of our lives are, in fact, the most interesting, amazing, pleasing of only awareness. So, here, in this context, we will attribute some features of the epic moment.
So, in what case does it break us to express emotions violently, to conclude them in a bright figurative word? Typically, they are characterized by scale, both in relation to action and geographic coverage. The second important factor is significance. The consequence of this moment is some pleasant or not too much change in life. The third, which also sometimes mixes in, is an element of surprise. For example, meeting a long-time acquaintance in an unexpected place under unexpected circumstances is epic! How wonderful it is when such moments are pleasing.
