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Epilogue: meaning, definitions and examples

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epilogue

 

[ ˈɛpɪlɒg ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

literary work

An epilogue is a section at the end of a literary work that serves as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened. It often provides closure to the story and gives insight into the characters' futures. Epilogues can also summarize the main themes or lessons of the work.

Synonyms

addendum, afterword, conclusion, postscript

Examples of usage

  • The author wrote an epilogue that revealed the characters' lives years after the story ended.
  • In her novel, the epilogue provided a touching moment of reflection.
  • The play concluded with a brief epilogue that offered a moral lesson.
  • Readers were pleased to find an epilogue that tied up loose ends in the plot.

Translations

Translations of the word "epilogue" in other languages:

🇵🇹 epílogo

🇮🇳 उपनिषेद

🇩🇪 Epilog

🇮🇩 epilog

🇺🇦 епілог

🇵🇱 epilog

🇯🇵 エピローグ

🇫🇷 épilogue

🇪🇸 epílogo

🇹🇷 epilog

🇰🇷 에필로그

🇸🇦 خاتمة

🇨🇿 epilog

🇸🇰 epilóg

🇨🇳 尾声

🇸🇮 epilog

🇮🇸 epilóg

🇰🇿 эпилог

🇬🇪 ეპilogი

🇦🇿 epilog

🇲🇽 epílogo

Etymology

The word 'epilogue' originates from the Greek term 'epilogos', which means 'to say or speak afterward'. The prefix 'epi-' means 'upon' or 'after', and 'logos' means 'word' or 'speech'. This term evolved through the Latin 'epilogus' before entering Middle English. Historically, epilogues served a significant role in Greek and Roman drama, where they were often used by characters to address the audience directly and comment on the story’s events or themes. In literature, epilogues have maintained their purpose as a narrative device that helps to reflect and conclude the narrative. They remain a popular feature in novels and plays, providing readers and audiences a final insight into the story after the climax has concluded.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,720, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.