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Epigraph: meaning, definitions and examples

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epigraph

 

[ หˆษ›pษชษกrรฆf ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

literary device

An epigraph is a short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter, intended to suggest its theme or set the tone. It can be a phrase, a sentence, or a passage from a work of literature or another source that complements the text that follows it. Authors often use epigraphs to provide insight, context, or a reflective mood for the reader. The chosen epigraph can enhance the reader's understanding of the subsequent text and create a connection between the two pieces of writing.

Synonyms

inscription, prologue, quotation

Examples of usage

  • The novel began with an epigraph from T.S. Eliot.
  • In her memoir, she included an epigraph that set the emotional tone.
  • The author chose a famous quote as an epigraph to introduce the theme of love.

Translations

Translations of the word "epigraph" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น epรญgrafe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคชเคฆเฅ‡เคถ (upadesh)

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Epigraph

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ epigraf

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะตะฟั–ะณั€ะฐั„

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ epigraf

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚จใƒ”ใ‚ฐใƒฉใƒ• (epigurafu)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉpigraphe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ epรญgrafe

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท epigraf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์—ํ”ผ๊ทธ๋ž˜ํ”„ (epigeuraepeu)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ู‚ุด (naqsh)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ epigraf

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ epigraf

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ข˜่ฏ (tรญ cรญ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ epigraf

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ epigraf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะฟะธะณั€ะฐั„ (epigraf)

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ”แƒžแƒ˜แƒ’แƒ แƒแƒคแƒ˜ (epigrafi)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ epigraf

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ epรญgrafe

Etymology

The word 'epigraph' comes from the Greek word 'epigraphe', which means 'to inscribe' or 'to write on'. This is derived from 'epi-', meaning 'upon', and 'grapho', meaning 'to write'. The use of epigraphs dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where they were often found on monuments and inscriptions. In literature, epigraphs became popular in the 19th century, as authors such as Emily Dickinson and Ernest Hemingway began to incorporate them into their works to enhance thematic depth. Over time, the practice has continued to evolve and remains a common literary technique used by writers across various genres. Epigraphs not only add a layer of meaning but also encourage readers to think critically about the relationship between the quoted text and the new work.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,070, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.