adj
Common
heroic
hih-ROH-ihk
Heroic (adj) means showing great courage, self-sacrifice, or exceptional bravery. Example: “Her heroic rescue of the drowning child made the front page.”
adj
1
Showing great courage, self-sacrifice, or exceptional bravery.
"Her heroic rescue of the drowning child made the front page."
"It was a heroic effort to finish the race on a broken ankle."
"The firefighters made a heroic attempt to reach the trapped family."
2
Larger or grander than everyday life, especially in scale or ambition.
"The statue was built on a heroic scale, towering over the square."
"The architect dreamed up a heroic plan to cover the whole valley with gardens."
"Paintings of that period often show heroic figures against vast, dramatic skies."
How to use heroic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDisplaying the bravery or grandeur of a hero.
Common pairings
a heroic effort
heroic deeds
heroic scale
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Word forms
- Plural
- heroics
- Comparative
- more heroic
- Superlative
- most heroic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ rescue of the drowning child made the front page.
Etymology
From Latin hērōicus, itself from Greek hērōïkós — built from hero plus the adjective ending "-ic."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for heroic
See all rhymes for heroic →Frequently asked questions
What does “heroic” mean?
The word “heroic” means showing great courage, self-sacrifice, or exceptional bravery. In plain terms, displaying the bravery or grandeur of a hero.
How do you pronounce “heroic”?
“Heroic” is pronounced hih-ROH-ihk (/hɪˈɹoʊ.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “heroic” in a sentence?
Here is “heroic” used in a sentence: “Her heroic rescue of the drowning child made the front page.”
What is another word for “heroic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “heroic” include herolike.
What is the opposite of “heroic”?
The opposite of “heroic” — its antonyms — is cowardly.
What part of speech is “heroic”?
“Heroic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “heroic” come from?
The word “heroic” comes from Latin. From Latin hērōicus, itself from Greek hērōïkós — built from hero plus the adjective ending "-ic.".
Is “heroic” a common word?
“Heroic” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between heroic and brave?
Brave describes anyone who shows courage in the face of fear or danger, even in small everyday situations. Heroic is generally reserved for actions showing great courage, self-sacrifice, or exceptional bravery, often on a larger or more dramatic scale.
Can heroic describe something other than a brave action?
Yes, heroic can also describe something larger or grander than everyday life, especially in scale or ambition, such as a heroic effort or a heroic poem. This sense focuses on grandeur and scale rather than physical courage alone.
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