heroic

Everyday

1. Very brave, like a hero, as in «a heroic rescue». tree →
2. To do with heroes in old stories and poems, as in «heroic legends». tree →
3. Very great or large in effort, as in «a heroic effort to finish». tree →
4. (noun, «heroics») Showing off brave actions, sometimes foolishly. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, myths and history, heroic acts include saving lives and standing up to danger; Greek heroes like Hercules are «heroic» characters. In the news, firefighters and lifeboat crews make heroic rescues. In school, a «heroic effort» is very hard work. Safety: being heroic does not mean taking silly risks — get help first.

Examples

• The firefighter made a heroic rescue. tree →
• Odysseus had many heroic adventures. tree →
• It was a heroic effort to finish the marathon. tree →
• The dog heroically barked until help came. tree →
• No heroics — call an adult if someone is in danger. tree →
• The poem tells of a heroic battle. tree →
• I am proud to show hospitality to so heroic a youth. tree →

Note

Said «hih-ROH-ik», with an «a» before it: «a heroic act» (the h is sounded). Noun «hero» (plural «heroes»), «heroine» (a female hero), «heroism».