épique
/e.pik/
The English word epic is translated into French as épique.
épique is used to describe something extraordinary, particularly heroic or grand events.
Meaning: extraordinary (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective épique is invariant in gender, so it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. To form the plural, add an s to get épiques.
How do you pronounce it?
/e.pik/
Did you know?
- Despite its meaning of grandiosity, épique can be used ironically in modern French to describe a disaster that was so large it became absurd.
- The word épique is a direct descendant of the Ancient Greek word épos, which simply meant 'word' or 'speech'.
- French speakers distinguish between épique for heroic scale and grandiose for visual scale, though English often uses 'epic' for both.
Examples in context
- C'est un roman épique.This is an epic novel.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe an epic novel using épique.Tatoeba #1845829 by sacredceltic, translation #1841221 by CK
- C'est un poème épique.This is an epic poem.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe an epic poem using épique.Tatoeba #1845837 by sacredceltic, translation #1841214 by Spamster
- C'est une histoire épique.This is an epic story.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe an epic story using épique.Tatoeba #1845839 by sacredceltic, translation #1841213 by Spamster
- Ce roman raconte une épopée épique au cœur de la jungle amazonienne.This novel tells an epic tale set in the heart of the Amazon jungle.
- Le spectacle de danse était grandiose, avec des costumes somptueux et des chorégraphies complexes.The dance performance was epic, with lavish costumes and intricate choreography.
- Le concert était incroyable, la foule était en délire du début à la fin!The concert was epic, the crowd went wild from start to finish!
- J'ai fait un saut en parachute hier, c'était trop fou!I went skydiving yesterday, it was so epic!
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are talking about a concert they attended.
- HugoLe concert d'hier était vraiment épique !Yesterday's concert was truly epic!
- ChloéOui, je n'ai jamais vu ça.Yes, I've never seen anything like it.
- HugoLe final était tout simplement épique.The finale was simply epic.
- ChloéC'était le meilleur moment de la soirée.It was the best moment of the evening.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry épique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries épique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
