Epiphany: meaning, definitions and examples

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epiphany

[ɪˈpɪf(ə)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?

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?

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.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

Literature

Several famous writers, including James Joyce and Franz Kafka, have used epiphanies in their works to show a character’s change or newfound understanding.
In Joyce’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 life’s meaning, highlighting its universal appeal.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Søren 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "epiphany" in other languages:

🇵🇹 epifania

🇮🇳 प्रकाश

🇩🇪 Erscheinung

🇮🇩 penampakan

🇺🇦 епіфанія

🇵🇱 epifania

🇯🇵 啓示

🇫🇷 épiphanie

🇪🇸 epifanía

🇹🇷 epifani

🇰🇷 현현

🇸🇦 ظهور

🇨🇿 epifanie

🇸🇰 epifánia

🇨🇳 显现

🇸🇮 epifanija

🇮🇸 birting

🇰🇿 эпифания

🇬🇪 მოვლინება

🇦🇿 epifaniya

🇲🇽 epifanía

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.

...
25667 anoint
25668 uselessness
25669 unmeasured
25670 epiphany
25671 sheepishly
25672 minnow
25673 coolie
...