Definition

Adjective: - Highly significant or important, especially in marking the beginning of a new development or era: Describes an event, discovery, or decision that is so momentous it defines or starts a distinct period in history.

Usage

The adjective "epochal" is used to modify nouns, emphasizing their profound historical importance. It is a formal term, often found in academic, historical, or journalistic contexts.

Examples

• The invention of the printing press was an epochal event that revolutionized the spread of knowledge.
• The court's epochal ruling redefined civil rights for generations.
• Scientists announced an epochal breakthrough in the search for a clean energy source.

Advanced Usage

• "epochal shift": A fundamental and transformative change in a system, paradigm, or society.
  • The digital revolution represented an epochal shift in how we communicate and work.
• "of epochal proportions": Used to emphasize the immense scale and importance of something.
  • The climate crisis is a challenge of epochal proportions.

Variants and Related Words

• Epoch (noun): A particular period of time in history or a person's life, typically one marked by notable events.
  • The Renaissance was an epoch of great cultural achievement.
• Epoch-making (adjective): An alternative, often hyphenated form with the same meaning as "epochal."
  • The epoch-making discovery of penicillin saved countless lives.

Synonyms

• Historic: Famous or important in history.
• Momentous: Of great importance or significance.
• Landmark: An event, discovery, or change marking an important stage or turning point.
• Pivotal: Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.

Antonyms

• Insignificant: Too small or unimportant to be worth consideration.
• Trivial: Of little value or importance.
• Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features; normal.

Adjective

1. highly significant or important especially bringing about or marking the beginning of a new development or era
   • epochal decisions made by Roosevelt and Churchill
   • an epoch-making discovery