Dictionary

epoch-making en · ADJ

Etymology

Calque of German epochemachend.

Meanings

1. (not-comparable) Constituting an epoch; opening a new era; introducing new conceptions or a new method in the treatment of a subject; highly novel and influential.
   • The prime minister, Tony Blair, described the terrorist attacks on America as having "epoch-making proportions" as parliament was recalled for an emergency session today. 2001 September 14, Matthew Tempest, quoting Tony Blair, “Blair: attacks are of 'epoch-making proportions'”, in The Guardian:
   • Equally to be expected, in view of the trend of Government legislation and pronouncements over the past few years—but no less epoch-making for that—is the proposal that the railways and canals shall cease to be common carriers and be entirely free to fix their own passenger and freight charges, […]. 1961 December, “Editorial: Führerprinzip for nationalised transport”, in Trains Illustrated, page 705:
   • The play itself was "sound," though not epoch-making. The performance of the leading lady was satisfactory and exactly what was to be expected from her. 1923, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], “(please specify the page)”, in The Eyes of Max Carrados, London: Grant Richards, →OCLC:

Forms

Synonyms

earthshaking · earthshattering

Translations (2)

de epochemachend (constituting an epoch) · ja 画期的 (constituting an epoch)