epochal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "epochal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event, discovery, or change that is of great importanceor significance. For example, "The invention of the telephone was an epochal moment in communication technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But equally, art that doesn't notice, or remains unaffected by, epochal shifts in the world it inhabits, is variously asleep, suffocatingly self-absorbed or simply not looking.

The Guardian

All this he laid out in a long-delayed and epochal speech in London on January 23rd.But Mr Cameron's plan to realise his vision is risky.

The Economist

What strikes him most about Shakespeare is his sensitivity to "the epochal, to moments of profound shifts"; tipping points between Catholicism and Protestantism; between religion and secularism; between the nobility and the merchant class, the chivalric knight and the bureaucrat, the hero and the sceptic.

The Economist

In 2003 the world seemed to be experiencing an epochal realignment, which for Britain meant compromising its place in Europe and embracing outright Atlanticism.

The Economist

Buy from Amazon.comAMERICANS remember their revolution as an event both epochal and clean.

The Economist

But, recalling those epochal reforms of 30 years ago, it is worth remembering that they too tended to come in baby steps rather than great leaps, and often were formulated retrospectively.

The Economist

But I wonder whether in some ways the shifts have not been quite as epochal as they have sometimes seemed.

The Economist

A shift has plainly occurred, but it is far from the epochal sea-change that friends of Mr Chirac, and right-wingers elsewhere on the continent, may have you believe.

The Economist

As a member of the government, Churchill supported Chamberlain in the epochal debate (indeed, he was partly responsible for the defeat in Norway that precipitated it).

The Economist

China's epochal reforms began on the farms.

The Economist

But by mid-day the exchange rate was back up to $1,060 per Bitcoin.At some level there's an epochal historical struggle going on here.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "epochal", provide specific details about why the event is considered so important. Context is key to highlighting the magnitude of its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "epochal" for minor or temporary trends. It should be reserved for truly transformative events that reshape established norms or practices.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "epochal" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something as highly significant, marking the beginning of a new period or era. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Epochal" is an adjective used to describe something highly significant and transformative, marking the start of a new era or period. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely used in formal contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When using "epochal", ensure that the context underscores the lasting impact of the event or discovery. Related terms include "monumental", "historic", and "seminal", which offer subtle variations in meaning. Common errors include overusing the term for events of minor significance. According to Ludwig AI, "epochal" is indeed the perfect word to use when you want to express a sense of high importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monumental

Emphasizes the lasting importance and impact, often associated with historical significance.

historic

Focuses on the event's place in history, highlighting its importance for future generations.

seminal

Highlights the groundbreaking and influential nature of an event or work.

transformative

Stresses the capacity to cause a major change in something or someone.

groundbreaking

Points out the innovative and pioneering aspects of an event or discovery.

watershed

Suggests a turning point that marks a significant change of direction or perspective.

pivotal

Indicates a crucial role in influencing the outcome of something.

revolutionary

Focuses on the radical and transformative nature, often overturning existing norms.

unprecedented

Highlights the uniqueness and lack of prior instances, emphasizing its novelty.

far-reaching

Underscores the extensive and significant consequences that extend widely.

FAQs

How can I use "epochal" in a sentence?

Use "epochal" to describe events or discoveries that mark a significant turning point in history or a particular field. For example, "The invention of the printing press was an "epochal" moment in the spread of knowledge."

What are some alternatives to "epochal"?

You can use alternatives like "monumental", "historic", or "seminal" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "epochal" the same as "historical"?

"Historical" refers to anything related to the past, while "epochal" describes something that marks the beginning of a new and significant period. An "epochal" event is always "historical", but not all historical events are epochal.

What makes an event "epochal"?

An event is "epochal" if it leads to fundamental changes that redefine an era or field, leaving a lasting impact on how things are done or understood.