Epically Meaning: Definition and Examples
π
epically
[ΛΙpΙͺkli ]
Definition
intensifying quality
The word 'epically' is used to describe actions or events that are extraordinary or heroic in nature. It often emphasizes the grandeur or dramatic scope of a situation, making it suitable for use in both casual and formal contexts.
Synonyms
grandly, heroically, spectacularly.
Examples of usage
- The team played epically in the championship game.
- Her performance was epically moving.
- They traveled epically across the country.
- The movie is epically entertaining.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Popular films like 'The Lord of the Rings' are known for their 'epic' storytelling and grand visuals that make scenes feel 'epically' exciting.
- The term is often used in memes or social media to describe something that is over-the-top or extraordinarily impressive.
- Epic rap battles and online game culture use 'epically' to heighten drama and excitement, making everyday moments feel legendary.
Literature
- An 'epic' poem is a lengthy narrative that often tells a story of heroic deeds, such as Homer's 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey,' showcasing grandeur and heroism.
- 'Epically' is often used in modern literature to specify how extraordinary or dramatic a character's actions are in a storytelling context.
- Contemporary authors have adopted the word to evoke strong imagery and emotions within their works, making moments feel larger than life.
Art
- In visual arts, a large-scale mural can be described as 'epically' beautiful, showcasing the grandeur of narratives depicted across walls.
- Epic landscapes in photography often aim to capture nature's vast beauty, making the viewer feel an emotional connection that is 'epically' strong.
- Classical music composers have created 'epic' symphonies that use powerful instruments and orchestrations to leave audiences in awe, expressing emotions 'epically.'
Psychology
- Experiencing something 'epically' exciting can lead to heightened emotional responses, optimizing pleasure centers in the brain.
- People remember events that are 'epically' thrilling better than mundane occurrences, due to the memorable emotional intensity associated with them.
- Using 'epic' or 'epically' in language can amplify the perceived significance of an event, influencing narratives and personal storytelling.
Origin of 'epically'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'epic' comes from the Greek word 'epikos,' which originally referred to long poems telling tales of heroes.
- In English, 'epic' started being used in the 14th century to describe grand stories, and the adverb form 'epically' evolved from that.
- The adaptation of 'epically' from 'epic' shows how language evolves to describe experiences more vivid and dynamic.
The adverb 'epically' is derived from the adjective 'epic,' which comes from the Latin word 'epicus' and the Greek word 'epikos,' both meaning 'pertaining to or having the characteristics of an epic poem.' Historically, an epic refers to a long narrative poem that recounts the adventures of heroic figures and significant events, usually rooted in tradition. The use of 'epic' in contemporary language evolved from its literary origins to describe anything that is monumental, grand, or impressive, thus giving birth to the adverb 'epically.' This term has gained popularity in modern colloquial speech, particularly within youth culture and social media, where it serves to amplify the significance or excitement of experiences.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,831, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.