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Epiphany Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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epiphany

[ษชหˆpษชf(ษ™)ni ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sudden realization

A moment of sudden and great revelation or realization, often leading to a change in perspective or behavior.

Synonyms

insight, realization, revelation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
epiphany

Use 'epiphany' when describing a sudden and profound understanding or insight, often of a spiritual or metaphysical nature.

  • She had an epiphany while meditating about her life's purpose
revelation

Use 'revelation' when talking about the disclosure of significant and previously unknown information, which can be surprising or enlightening, often used in religious or personal contexts.

  • The revelation of the secret documents changed his perspective on the issue
realization

Use 'realization' to indicate the moment when someone becomes aware of something, often suddenly, but it does not necessarily imply something profound.

  • She came to the realization that she had left her keys at home
insight

Use 'insight' for a clear understanding of a complex situation or problem, often used in academic, professional, or analytical contexts.

  • His insight into market trends helped the company increase sales

Examples of usage

  • The moment of epiphany when she realized she had been wrong all along.
  • His epiphany came while he was taking a walk in the park.
Context #2 | Noun

Christianity

A Christian festival held on January 6th, commemorating the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus.

Synonyms

Three Kings' Day, Twelfth Night.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
epiphany

When capitalized, 'Epiphany' refers to the Christian holiday celebrating the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, often observed on January 6th.

  • The church held a special service to commemorate Epiphany.
  • In many cultures, Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season.
Twelfth Night

Use 'Twelfth Night' to describe the eve of Epiphany, January 5th, which marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas and is sometimes associated with festivities and traditions.

  • On Twelfth Night, they took down the Christmas decorations and had a small party.
  • Twelfth Night is often celebrated with theatrical performances and feasting in some cultures.
Three Kings' Day

Use 'Three Kings' Day' to refer specifically to the celebration of the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries.

  • The children left their shoes out for gifts the night before Three Kings' Day.
  • In Mexico, Three Kings' Day is a time for family gatherings and special meals.

Examples of usage

  • We celebrate Epiphany with a special church service.
  • The Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Several famous writers, including James Joyce and Franz Kafka, have used epiphanies in their works to show a characterโ€™s change or newfound understanding.
  • In Joyceโ€™s 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man,' the protagonist experiences a moment of epiphany that profoundly impacts his life choices.

Psychology

  • The sudden insight often occurs when the mind is relaxed, highlighting the importance of rest and mental space for creative thinking.
  • Research indicates that epiphanies are linked to the brain's 'default mode network,' areas activated during daydreaming and creative thinking.

Pop Culture

  • In many movies, characters often have an epiphany that completely changes the plot, like realizing who their true friends are or finding their purpose.
  • Songs frequently explore epiphany themes, such as realizing love or lifeโ€™s meaning, highlighting its universal appeal.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Sรธren Kierkegaard explored the idea of epiphany as a breakthrough leading to existential understanding and personal transformation.
  • In philosophical discussions, an epiphany can signify the moment someone perceives the interconnectedness of experiences or truths.

Origin of 'epiphany'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'epiphaneia,' meaning 'to show' or 'to reveal.'
  • Originally, it referred to the Christian holiday commemorating the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, symbolizing insights into divine truths.
  • Over time, the meaning broadened to describe any moment of sudden realization or insight.

The word 'epiphany' originated from the Greek word 'epiphaneia', meaning 'manifestation' or 'appearance'. In the Christian tradition, Epiphany is associated with the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi. Over time, the term has evolved to also refer to any sudden realization or insight in a broader context.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,670, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.