Epic vs. Epoch: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Epic" refers to a grand or heroic narrative, while "Epoch" denotes a specific period in history or one's life. Both have significant connotations but in different contexts.
Key Differences
"Epic" typically references a long narrative poem celebrating the deeds of legendary figures or the history of a nation. In contrast, "Epoch" speaks to a particular period of time marked by distinctive features or events.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Literature enthusiasts might associate "Epic" with works like the "Iliad" or the "Odyssey", which tell grand stories of heroes and their adventures. On the other hand, historians might use "Epoch" to describe a significant era, such as the Renaissance or the Industrial Revolution.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
While "Epic" can also be colloquially used to describe anything grand or impressive in scale (e.g., "an epic journey"), "Epoch" remains firmly rooted in denoting a segment of time, often carrying historical or personal significance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
It's interesting to consider that while an "Epic" might be set in a particular "Epoch", not all epochs are necessarily depicted or described in epics. The two terms, though different, can intersect in various contexts.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
In everyday language, someone might use "Epic" to describe a particularly memorable event or experience ("That concert was epic!"). In contrast, "Epoch" would be employed more formally or when referring to a specific, notable time frame ("The discovery marked a new epoch in science.").
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
A long narrative poem.
A specific period in history or life.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Colloquial Usage
Describing anything grand or impressive.
Rarely used in casual conversation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Epic and Epoch Definitions
Epic
Pertaining to an extended work in literature or film.
Gone with the Wind is a classic epic film.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Epoch
A distinct period in history with particular features.
The Victorian epoch was marked by rapid industrialization.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Epic
Exceedingly impressive or memorable.
Their road trip across the country was an epic adventure.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Epoch
A noteworthy event that starts a new period.
The invention of the printing press marked a new epoch in information dissemination.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Epic
Relating to the characteristics of an epic or its style.
The novel had an epic quality, weaving multiple generations' stories.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Epoch
A division of time smaller than an era but larger than an age.
The epoch following the dinosaurs' extinction saw the rise of mammals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Epic
A long narrative poem detailing heroic deeds.
The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Epoch
A particular period of history, especially one considered remarkable or noteworthy.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epic
An extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epic
A literary or dramatic composition that resembles an extended narrative poem celebrating heroic feats.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epoch
(Astronomy) An instant in time that is arbitrarily selected as a point of reference for specification of celestial coordinates.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epic
A series of events considered appropriate to an epic
The epic of the Old West.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epoch
A particular period of history, or of a person's life, especially one considered noteworthy or remarkable.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epic
Of, constituting, having to do with, or suggestive of a literary epic
An epic poem.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epic
Surpassing the usual or ordinary, particularly in scope or size
"A vast musical panorama ... it requires an epic musical understanding to do it justice" (Tim Page).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epoch
A specific instant in time, chosen as the point of reference or zero value of a system that involves identifying instants of time.
Datum
UNIX epoch; J2000 epoch
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epic
Heroic and impressive in quality
"Here in the courtroom ... there was more of that epic atmosphere, the extra amperage of a special moment" (Scott Turow).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epoch
(geology) A geochronologic unit of hundreds of thousands to millions of years; a subdivision of a period, and subdivided into ages (or sometimes subepochs).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epic
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epoch
(ML) One complete presentation of the training data set to an iterative machine learning algorithm.
The neural network was trained over 500 epochs.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epic
A series of events considered appropriate to an epic.
The book was an epic in four volumes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epoch
A fixed point of time, established in history by the occurrence of some grand or remarkable event; a point of time marked by an event of great subsequent influence; as, the epoch of the creation; the birth of Christ was the epoch which gave rise to the Christian era.
In divers ages, . . . divers epochs of time were used.
Great epochs and crises in the kingdom of God.
The acquittal of the bishops was not the only event which makes the 30th of June, 1688, a great epoch in history.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epoch
A period of time, longer or shorter, remarkable for events of great subsequent influence; a memorable period; as, the epoch of maritime discovery, or of the Reformation.
The influence of Chaucer continued to live even during the dreary interval which separates from one another two important epochs of our literary history.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epic
Momentously heroic; grand in scale or character
The epic defense was rewarded with the highest military decorations
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epoch
A division of time characterized by the prevalence of similar conditions of the earth; commonly a minor division or part of a period.
The long geological epoch which stored up the vast coal measures.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epic
Extending beyond the usual or ordinary.
The after-prom party was truly epic.
You made an epic mistake.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epoch
The date at which a planet or comet has a longitude or position.
The capture of Constantinople is an epoch in the history of Mahometanism; but the flight of Mahomet is its era.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epoch
A period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epic
Narrated in a grand style; pertaining to or designating a kind of narrative poem, usually called an heroic poem, in which real or fictitious events, usually the achievements of some hero, are narrated in an elevated style.
The epic poem treats of one great, complex action, in a grand style and with fullness of detail.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epoch
(astronomy) the precise date that is the point of reference for which information (as coordinates of a celestial body) is referred
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epic
Very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary (especially in size or scale);
An epic voyage
Of heroic proportions
Heroic sculpture
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epoch
A fixed point in time from which events are measured.
1970 is often used as an epoch for computer systems.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Epic
Constituting or having to do with or suggestive of a literary epic;
Epic tradition
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 16, 2023
Epoch
A period in a person's life marked by notable events.
His move to New York marked a new epoch in his career.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Epic
Grand or monumental in scale.
The construction of the pyramid was an epic undertaking.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
FAQs
Are "Epic" and "Epoch" interchangeable?
No, "Epic" refers to a grand narrative, while "Epoch" denotes a specific period in time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can an "Epic" take place in a specific "Epoch"?
Yes, epics can be set within distinct epochs or historical periods.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Does "Epic" only relate to literature?
Primarily, but it can also describe anything grand or monumental in scale.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can "Epoch" refer to future periods?
Typically, it refers to past periods, but it can denote any significant period, even future ones.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Can a single event be an "Epic"?
Colloquially, yes. An event can be described as "epic" if it's memorable or grand.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Can a short story be "Epic"?
Not in the traditional literary sense, but colloquially, if it's grand in scope or impact.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Is the word "Epic" overused today?
Some believe its casual use diminishes its impact, but language evolves with culture.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Can an "Epoch" be a short period?
It usually denotes a significant, extended period, but the exact length can vary.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Do all cultures have their own "Epics"?
Most cultures have epic narratives that convey their histories or values.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
What's the main difference between the two?
"Epic" is narrative-based, and "Epoch" is time-based.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
