Epochal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

History

• The Industrial Revolution is considered an epochal transition, transforming economies and societies worldwide.
• The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked an epochal event in global history, symbolizing the end of the Cold War.
• The Age of Enlightenment, which emphasized reason and individualism, is often referred to as an epochal period in Western thought.

Science

• The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 was epochal for modern medicine, revolutionizing treatments for infections.
• The advent of the Internet in the late 20th century is seen as an epochal development influencing communication, business, and culture.
• The theory of evolution presented by Charles Darwin is considered epochal in biology, fundamentally changing our understanding of species and their development.

Literature

• James Joyce's 'Ulysses' is hailed as an epochal work in modernist literature, changing narrative style and structure.
• The release of 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925 reflected the changes of the Roaring Twenties and is considered epochal in American literature.
• Virginia Woolf's experimental narratives marked an epochal shift in women's literature during the early 20th century, focusing on inner thoughts and experiences.

Philosophy

• In existentialism, the quest for meaning in an 'epochal' life reflects the human struggle to find identity and purpose.
• The concept of temporal existence in existential philosophy underscores how impactful epochs shape human experience and thought.
• Epochal changes in philosophical thought often align with significant societal transformations, influencing ethics and belief systems.

Main points about word origin

• The term comes from the Greek word 'epokhē', meaning 'a fixed point' in time.
• It entered the English language in the late 19th century, used to describe significant periods.
• It originally referred to a division of time used in calendars, such as the birth of Christ or a significant event.

The word 'epochal' originates from the word 'epoch,' which derives from the Greek 'epoche,' meaning 'a fixed point in time.' The term gained prominence and usage in the English language in the late 19th century, particularly within historical and philosophical discussions. It describes events or periods that hold a foundational significance or a pivotal role in the timeline of history. As society evolved, 'epochal' became used more broadly to denote transformations that result in significant changes or developments in various fields, including science, art, and politics. The term carries a weight of importance, suggesting that the moments or developments it describes are not just notable but instrumental in shaping the course of history.

At rank #29,167, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 29164 adjudging
• 29165 unsurprising
• 29166 mementos
• 29167 epochal
• 29168 heliocentric
• 29169 eclipsing
• 29170 nanosecond
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