What does heroic mean?
Heroic describes conduct marked by exceptional courage, determination, or selflessness in the face of danger or hardship. In everyday use, it usually praises someone for acting bravely and nobly, as in “a heroic rescue” or “heroic resistance to injustice.” The adjective can also refer more broadly to things associated with heroes or heroic tradition, and in literary or historical contexts it may imply grandeur and nobility of purpose. As a noun, “a heroic” is a rare, elevated label for a person of exceptional courage, while “heroics” can refer collectively to brave deeds. The word carries a strongly positive, often celebratory tone, but it can also sound idealized or promotional when applied to ordinary actions. Its history links it directly to ancient Greek: hērōikos meant “of a hero,” and ultimately came from hērōs, “hero.” English later developed the familiar family hero, heroine, heroism, and heroically. Consequently, heroic is useful when praise should convey more than ordinary bravery: it suggests a standard of courage, sacrifice, and resolve that may become part of a person's public story.
Showing exceptional courage, determination, or nobility, especially in the face of danger or adversity; of or relating to a hero or heroic deeds.
"She was heroic in confronting the injustice despite the personal cost."
The adjective is dominant in modern usage and is usually commendatory, although it may be ironic or promotional in some contexts.
A person regarded as exceptionally brave, noble, or self-sacrificing; a hero.
"He was celebrated as a heroic of the revolution."
This noun use is uncommon and generally occurs in elevated, literary, or historical prose.
The plural may refer to heroic people collectively, but it is also used for acts of courage or, critically, for excessively dramatic or exaggerated conduct.
"The emergency team's heroics were praised after the flood."
Heroic began as “of a hero”: the Greek hērōikos was built from hērōs, meaning “hero.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does heroic come from?
Heroic entered English in the late 16th century from French héroïque and Latin heroicus, which was derived from Greek hērōikos, meaning “of a hero.” The Greek adjective came from hērōs, “hero,” the ancestor of words such as hero, heroine, and heroism. The modern adjective retains its original sense while also developing the broader sense of being brave, noble, and larger than life.
Related word forms
How heroic is actually used
The adjective is formal and strongly positive, though it can sound idealized, promotional, or occasionally ironic. The noun is uncommon except in elevated or historical prose.