These nouns all describe short pieces of language—single words, phrases, statements, or a few lines of poetry, which comment on a person or topic. The prefix epi- means “on” or “about.”
An epigram is a short, witty statement—or short poem—on any topic. Epigrams are “pointed”; they only say one thing, and they are memorable, clever, and at least a little poetic. Here are some well-known examples:
“Imagination is more important than knowledge” – Albert Einstein
“Little strokes fell great oaks” – Benjamin Franklin
Note that epigrams are not “proverbs” or “aphorisms” because (1) we remember the authors of epigrams, whereas proverbs and aphorisms are anonymous, and (2) epigrams tend to be surprising, funny, or ironic.
Epigraphs are very similar to epigrams; the main difference is where epigraphs are found. As suggested by the stem -graph, epigraphs are written down or “inscribed” (carved into stone or wood). Epigraphs are often found on buildings, monuments, and at the beginnings of books, chapters, or other sections of writing.
Epigraphs are similar to epigrams in being short, poetic, and very meaningful, although not necessarily witty. In fact, any kind of statement could become an epigraph, because the word epigraph refers not to the content, but to the function—that they are written at the front of something and summarize its significance.
An epitaph is a kind of epigraph, either written on gravestones or perhaps said or written in a speech or article about a dead person—and they normally say something positive and profound about the person. Often, epitaphs are also epigrams—witty and surprising statements, written by the person who has died (but not necessarily). Here is a famous example:
Good friend for Jesus sake forbeare,
To dig the dust enclosed here.
Blessed be the man that spares these stones,
And cursed be he that moves my bones.
– William Shakespeare’s gravestone epitaph
This epitaph is clever and reminds us that graverobbing (stealing bones) was a big problem in Shakespeare’s time.
Shakespeare’s epitaph is wordy but epitaphs can also be short, such as that of comedian Leslie Nielsen: “Let ‘er rip.” Or that of actor Jack Lemmon, whose grave says, “Jack Lemmon in . . .” and that’s all!
Lastly we have epithets, which are normally single words or phrases, not entire statements.
Epithets can be unofficial titles, nicknames, and other references to people, such as “the great” in “Catherine the Great” or “Alexander the Great,” or “Lord of Thunder” in “Thor, Lord of Thunder.”
Epithets can also describe non-people, such as “the iron curtain,” and “the new world”; i.e. they can be any kind of memorable, single-phrase, description.
The word epithet is also often used for abusive or insulting nicknames, like “loser,” or anything unkind that one might call a person.
More Examples of How to Use "Epigram" in a Sentence
- The vice president opened her speech with an epigram from a famous author, which succinctly introduced the theme of the speech.
- Michael wrote a wonderful epigram about remorse today in his poetry class.
- The haunting epigram still captivates me to this day.
- Graffiti, mottos, and epigrams can be seen all over the university campus walls.
- Have you considered opening your essay with an epigram to capture readers’ attention?
More Examples of How to Use "Epigraph" in a Sentence
- I never judge a book by its cover, but I do judge by the quality of its epigraph.
- The antique epigraphs are a window to their lifestyle and culture.
- The novel, written by a famous writer in the 1800s, begins with an epigraph that sets the tone and mood of the story.
- Principal Johnson began her speech at the graduation with the school’s official epigraph.
- During our trip to the museum, a curator translated the epigraphs written on each of the statues and explained the meanings within the historical and cultural context in which they appeared.
More Examples of How to Use "Epitaph" in a Sentence
- Mr. Yin wanted to write his own epitaph before he died, as was the tradition in his family.
- Frank was buried in his hometown, his epitaph written by his childhood friend.
- The soldiers who died protecting the country deserve a well-composed epitaph.
- My grandfather shared the lines he wanted to be included in his epitaph.
- Samantha’s epitaph read, “A noblewoman with a gracious heart.”
More Examples of How to Use "Epithet" in a Sentence
- During the Gilded Age, a person’s epithet was taken very seriously.
- The epithet “Royal” was added to George IV’s signatory in 1822.
- “Has the epithet ‘Great’ ever been given to a queen?” the history teacher asked.
- “The epithet ‘Grotesque’ fits you very well,” said Sandy’s disdainful stepmother at the sight of her unmade bed.