WordGarden.ioepochal
C1Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˈɛpəkəl/
Meanings
Adjective
highly significant, especially as marking a new era
Beyond the definition
An epochal event is one that marks a turning point in history, something so important that it helps define a whole era. Think of the invention of the printing press or the first landing on the moon; these were not just big events, but shifts that changed what came after.
The word comes from "epoch," meaning a distinct period of time. So, something epochal is not merely important; it helps mark the start of a new period or a major change. You might use it for a scientific discovery, a political revolution, or a cultural change with lasting effects. It is a strong word, so you would not usually use it for ordinary events.
The word "epochal" describes something of great importance and lasting effect: an event, decision, discovery, or change that marks the beginning of a new era or a major turning point in history. It refers to something so important that it changes the course of events in a clear and lasting way. For example: "The fall of the Berlin Wall was an epochal moment in European history," because it marked a major shift at the end of the Cold War and helped lead to the reunification of Germany.
"Epochal" is not simply another word for important. It suggests that the effects will last for a long time and that the event will stand out as part of a larger historical change. It is often used when talking about major cultural, political, scientific, or technological developments.
While you might describe a personal achievement as "significant," you would usually reserve "epochal" for something much larger in scale. A new album by your favorite band could be excellent, but it would not normally be called epochal unless it changed the music world in a lasting way.
The word stems from "epoch," which refers to a particular period of time in history. Because of that, something epochal is not just important within its own time; it helps define that time. When you use "epochal," you are describing something that does more than attract attention. You are describing something that leaves a lasting mark on history.
Examples
- 1
Historical invention
The invention of the printing press was an epochal event in human history.
- 2
European history
Many historians see the end of the war as an epochal turning point for Europe.
- 3
Technology change
Cheap smartphones brought about an epochal shift in how people access the internet.
- 4
Legal decision
At the time, almost nobody understood how epochal that court decision would be.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- epochal change
- epochal event
- epochal shift
- epochal moment
Word family
- epoch
- epochally
Explore
- periodization
- turning point
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- epochaladjective