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Epithet: meaning, definitions and examples

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epithet

 

[ หˆepษชฮธษ›t ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

literary term

An epithet is a descriptive term or phrase used to characterize a person or thing. It often highlights a specific characteristic or quality, enhancing the understanding of the subject. In literature, epithets can add flavor and depth to the narrative, providing insight into the personality or attributes of characters. Often, epithets appear as a part of a character's name, giving them a more memorable identity. They have been used extensively in classical literature, including works by Homer and Virgil.

Synonyms

descriptor, label, nickname, title.

Examples of usage

  • Alexander the Great
  • Catherine the Great
  • Richard the Lionheart
  • the Swift-footed Achilles

Translations

Translations of the word "epithet" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น epรญteto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคชเคพเคงเคฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Epithet

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ epithet

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะตะฟั–ั‚ะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ epitet

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไฟฎ้ฃพ่ชž

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉpithรจte

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ epรญteto

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท epitet

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ˆ˜์‹์–ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุตูุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ epitet

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ epitet

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไฟฎ้ฅฐ่ฏญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ epitet

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ eรฐli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะฟะธั‚ะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ”แƒžแƒ˜แƒ—แƒ”แƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ epitet

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ epรญteto

Etymology

The term 'epithet' originates from the Greek word 'epitheton', which means 'added' or 'attributed'. In ancient Greek literature, epithets were frequently used in poetry and prose to aid the oral tradition of storytelling, allowing for more vivid and memorable descriptions. The concept has evolved over time, but its roots in classical rhetoric and literature remain significant. In both Greek and later Roman contexts, epithets served to either honor or vilify characters, providing a rich tool for literary devices. Today, while still used in literary contexts, the term can also refer to any adjectival description, even in everyday language, though it often carries a connotation of additional meaning or cultural significance.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,376, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.