Epistle: meaning, definitions and examples

💌

Add to dictionary

epistle

[ ɪˈpɪsəl ]

^{Context #1}

religious letter

A letter, especially a formal or didactic one; written communication directed to a person or group; in the Christian Bible, a letter written by one of the apostles.

Synonyms

letter, missive, missive, missive

Examples of usage

He sent an epistle to the congregation.
The epistle of St. Paul to the Romans is a well-known text.

^{Context #2}

literary letter

A literary composition in the form of a letter; a poem or other work in the form of a letter.

Synonyms

letter, missive, missive, missive

Examples of usage

The poet penned an epistle to his love.
Her epistle to the editor was published in the newspaper.

^{Context #3}

informal letter

A letter or message sent to someone.

Synonyms

letter, missive, missive, missive

Examples of usage

She received an epistle from her pen pal.
The epistle was full of exciting news.

Translations

Translations of the word "epistle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 epístola

🇮🇳 पत्र (patr)

🇩🇪 Epistel

🇮🇩 epistel

🇺🇦 епістола

🇵🇱 epistoła

🇯🇵 書簡 (shokan)

🇫🇷 épître

🇪🇸 epístola

🇹🇷 epistola

🇰🇷 서신 (seosin)

🇸🇦 رسالة (risāla)

🇨🇿 epistola

🇸🇰 epistola

🇨🇳 书信 (shūxìn)

🇸🇮 epistola

🇮🇸 bréf

🇰🇿 эпистол

🇬🇪 ეპისტოლე (epistole)

🇦🇿 epistola

🇲🇽 epístola

Word origin

The word 'epistle' originated from the Latin word 'epistola', which means 'letter'. The term has been used in religious and literary contexts for centuries, with its roots in ancient communication practices. Epistles have played a significant role in the exchange of ideas and beliefs, particularly in the early Christian church where letters from apostles were considered authoritative teachings. Today, 'epistle' continues to be used to refer to various forms of written communication, both formal and informal.