epic-scale
|ep-ic-scale|
/ˈɛpɪk skeɪl/
grand in scope
Etymology
'epic-scale' is a modern compound formed from 'epic' + 'scale', where 'epic' (adjective) is used to describe something of heroic or grand scope and 'scale' denotes size, extent, or proportion.
'epic' originates from Greek 'epos' (ἔπος) meaning 'word' or 'story', passed into Latin and later Middle English as 'epic' meaning a long narrative poem; 'scale' originates from Latin 'scala' meaning 'ladder' and evolved in Late Latin and Old French into Middle English senses of 'ladder' then 'measure' or 'extent'. The modern compound 'epic scale' developed in English usage to mean 'grand extent' and is commonly used in the 19th–20th centuries onward.
Initially, 'epic' referred specifically to a long narrative poem and 'scale' to a ladder or measure; over time 'epic' broadened to describe grand, heroic qualities and 'scale' broadened to mean extent or size, together yielding the current sense of 'epic-scale' as 'of extraordinary scope or magnitude.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the scope or extent that is epic in size or ambition (used as a noun phrase, often without hyphen as 'epic scale').
Their project reached epic-scale and required international coordination.
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Adjective 1
very large in scope, scale, or ambition; resembling an epic in grandeur or magnitude.
The director staged an epic-scale battle sequence that involved hundreds of extras.
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Last updated: 2026/01/09 09:38