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Epistle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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epistle

[ษชหˆpษชsษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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.

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Word Description / Examples
epistle

This word is mostly used in religious or historical contexts, often referring to formal letters written by apostles or ancient scholars.

  • The Epistle to the Romans is one of Paul's most famous letters in the New Testament.
  • He discovered an old epistle in the ancient ruins.
letter

A general term for written communication sent from one person to another. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

  • I wrote a letter to my friend who moved abroad.
  • The company received a formal letter of complaint from a customer.
missive

A formal or official letter, often used in a slightly old-fashioned or humorous way. It can sometimes have a serious or urgent tone.

  • The president received a missive from the ambassador.
  • She laughed as she read the lengthy missive from her cousin.

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 | Noun

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
epistle

This word is very formal and typically used for important or religious letters. It is often found in literary or historical contexts.

  • The apostle Paul wrote an epistle to the Corinthians
  • The epistle was preserved in the archives
letter

This is the most general term for a written message sent to someone. It can be used in any situation, informal or formal.

  • I received a letter from my friend who is studying abroad
  • She wrote a letter to the company to complain about their service
missive

This word is somewhat formal and less commonly used in everyday language. It often implies a rather lengthy or detailed letter, sometimes with a sense of urgency or formality.

  • He sent a missive to his lawyer regarding the case
  • The general's missive was filled with orders for the troops

Examples of usage

  • The poet penned an epistle to his love.
  • Her epistle to the editor was published in the newspaper.
Context #3 | Noun

informal letter

A letter or message sent to someone.

Synonyms

letter, missive, missive, missive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
epistle

Used in formal or literary contexts, often in religious or historical writings.

  • He penned an epistle to his followers, instructing them on matters of faith.
  • The scholar analyzed the ancient epistle for traces of historical events.
letter

Commonly used in everyday situations to describe a written message sent to someone.

  • She wrote a letter to her friend explaining her feelings.
  • He received a letter from the college confirming his admission.
missive

Used in formal or semi-formal contexts to describe a written message, often one that is lengthy or official. Can sometimes have a slightly old-fashioned or grandiose tone.

  • The ambassador sent a missive to the king requesting an audience.
  • Her missive to the board outlined her strategic vision for the company.

Examples of usage

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

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word originates from the Greek word 'epistole', meaning 'a letter or message'.
  • Epistles were commonly used in ancient times to communicate across distances when people couldnโ€™t talk face-to-face.
  • The New Testament of the Bible contains many epistles written by apostles to early Christian communities.

Literature

  • Many famous writers, like John Milton and Alexander Pope, used epistles in their works to convey personal thoughts and social commentary.
  • In literature, an epistle can often serve as a way to address the reader directly, creating an intimate conversation.
  • The stylistic choices used in epistles can reflect the historical context and the writerโ€™s purpose, whether it's for persuasion, advice, or sharing news.

Religion

  • Epistles hold a significant place in Christian theology, providing insights into the beliefs and practices of early Christians.
  • These letters often address moral issues, community challenges, and theological disputes faced by early followers of Christ.
  • They are regarded as a source of spiritual guidance and are often read publicly during church services.

Communication

  • Epistles differ from everyday letters by their formal tone and often philosophical or instructive content.
  • In modern times, the principles behind writing an epistle can still be seen in formal communication and business letters.
  • The format of structuring thoughts clearly in an epistle has influenced various forms of written communication today.

Cultural Impact

  • Epistles can be seen as a precursor to modern email, as they both serve the purpose of sending messages and information quickly to others.
  • The art of letter writing has been celebrated in many cultures, with epistles often reflecting the writer's personality and social status.
  • Various cultural movements have sparked the revival of letter writing as a personal and thoughtful means of communication in a digital world.

Origin of 'epistle'

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,315, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.