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Episodic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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episodic

[ˌɛpɪˈsɒdɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

relating to TV shows

Relating to or consisting of separate episodes. Characterized by a series of loosely connected events or experiences.

Synonyms

disjointed, episodical, fragmented.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
episodic

Describes something that occurs in parts or segments, often referring to stories, events, or television shows with distinct, separate sections.

  • The TV series has an episodic structure, with each episode focusing on a different character.
  • Her memoir is episodic, covering various detached moments from her life.
disjointed

Refers to something that lacks a clear order or smooth connection, often in a way that's confusing or difficult to follow. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The essay was disjointed, jumping from one topic to another without clear transitions.
  • His speech was so disjointed that it was hard to understand his main points.
fragmented

Describes something broken into pieces or parts that are incomplete or not functioning as a whole. It usually implies a negative connotation.

  • After the accident, his memories of the event were fragmented and unclear.
  • The shattered glass left fragmented pieces all over the floor.
episodical

Similar to 'episodic', but less commonly used. It also describes something made up of a series of separate or loosely connected parts.

  • The podcast's episodical nature allows listeners to enjoy each episode on its own.
  • Her episodical short stories capture different experiences from her journey.

Examples of usage

  • His memory was episodic, with vivid recollections of certain incidents but no overall picture.
  • The show is structured in an episodic format, with each episode focusing on a different character.
Context #2 | Adjective

relating to memory

Relating to or denoting memories that are recalled in episodic rather than semantic terms.

Synonyms

autobiographical, nostalgic, reminiscent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
episodic

Used to describe something that happens in parts or segments over time, often in a sequence of events. Typically used in contexts such as storytelling, TV shows, or any situation where events are divided into distinct parts.

  • The TV series was very episodic, with each episode focusing on a different character.
  • Her life could be described as episodic, with each phase marked by a significant event.
autobiographical

This word is used when referring to something relating to a person's own life story. Commonly used in literature or discussions about personal experiences.

  • The novel has strong autobiographical elements, as the author drew heavily from her own childhood.
  • He gave an autobiographical account of his years growing up in the small town.
reminiscent

Used to indicate that something reminds someone of something else, typically from the past. Often involves comparison or reflection.

  • The smell of fresh bread was reminiscent of his grandmother's kitchen.
  • Her laugh was reminiscent of her mother's, bringing back many memories.
nostalgic

Describes a sentimental longing for the past, often with positive emotions. This word is typically used when reminiscing about good memories or times.

  • Listening to the old songs made her feel nostalgic about her youth.
  • He felt a wave of nostalgic memories wash over him when he visited his childhood home.

Examples of usage

  • Episodic memory involves the recollection of specific events, situations, and experiences.
  • Patients with Alzheimer's disease often have difficulty with episodic memory.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Film and Television

  • In TV, shows are often structured episodically, allowing for a variety of plotlines and character developments across different episodes.
  • Many successful series, like 'Friends' and 'The Office,' rely on an episodic format to engage viewers with new storylines regularly.

Psychology

  • In memory studies, episodic memory refers to the ability to recall specific events from your life, like a personal story you can tell again.
  • Researchers distinguish between episodic memory and semantic memory, which involves facts and knowledge without personal experience.

Literature

  • Episodic narratives are common in novels, where each chapter can represent a different stage or episode in the protagonist's journey.
  • Classic works, like 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,' feature episodic storytelling that captures multiple adventures of the main character.

Education

  • Episodic learning frameworks break complex topics into smaller chunks, helping students digest information gradually.
  • Many educators use episodic methods in lesson planning, introducing new concepts in stages to enhance understanding over time.

Origin of 'episodic'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'epison,' meaning 'addition' or 'afterward.' It signifies things that happen in separate parts.
  • In the 19th century, the word began to take on a meaning related to storytelling, referring to a narrative structure made of distinct episodes.

The word 'episodic' comes from the Greek word 'episodikos' meaning 'coming in between'. It originated in the early 19th century to describe something that consists of separate episodes or events. The usage of 'episodic' expanded to various fields including literature, psychology, and television.

See also: episode, episodical.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,890, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.