epexegesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (C2+)Formal, academic, technical
Quick answer
What does “epexegesis” mean?
The addition of words or phrases to clarify or explain a preceding word or statement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The addition of words or phrases to clarify or explain a preceding word or statement.
A rhetorical or grammatical figure involving explanatory amplification; the practice or an instance of adding clarifying commentary, often seen in textual criticism, legal documents, or scholarly annotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with classical scholarship and rhetoric in the UK; with literary theory and textual analysis in the US.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, confined to highly specialised academic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “epexegesis” in a Sentence
[subject] provides an epexegesis of [object]The phrase '[example]' is an epexegesis.[text] includes an epexegesis clarifying [point]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epexegesis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The editor chose to epexegete the archaic term for modern readers.
- Scholars often epexegete difficult passages in the manuscript.
American English
- The author epexegeted the key concept in a subsequent footnote.
- To properly understand the statute, one must epexegete its central clause.
adverb
British English
- The term was added epexegetically.
- He spoke epexegetically, unpacking his initial statement.
American English
- The phrase functions epexegetically in this context.
- She elaborated epexegetically on the earlier definition.
adjective
British English
- The epexegetical clause resolved the ambiguity.
- He made an epexegetic remark to clarify his position.
American English
- The footnote served an epexegetical function.
- Her comments were purely epexegetic, not critical.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in philology, rhetoric, classical studies, literary theory, and linguistics to describe explanatory textual additions.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used in specific technical discourses like hermeneutics, textual criticism, and legal drafting analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epexegesis”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “epexegesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epexegesis”
- Misspelling as 'epexegesis' or 'epegexis'.
- Using it as a synonym for any interpretation.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the first syllable (EP-ex-...). Correct stress is on the third syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Exegesis is the broader critical interpretation or explanation of a text, especially scripture. Epexegesis is a specific rhetorical figure—an explanatory word or phrase added directly to a statement to clarify it. Epexegesis is often a local, grammatical act within a sentence, while exegesis is a larger hermeneutic practice.
No, it is a highly specialised term. Using it in everyday conversation would be inappropriate and likely misunderstood. Synonyms like 'clarification' or 'explanation' should be used instead.
It is extremely rare, even in academic circles. Most writers would use phrases like 'provide an epexegesis of' or 'add a clarifying gloss to' rather than the verb 'epexegete'.
In both British and American English, the primary stress is on the third syllable: '...si-GEE-sis' (UK: /sɪˈdʒiːsɪs/, US: /səˈdʒisɪs/). The beginning is pronounced 'ep-ex-'.
The addition of words or phrases to clarify or explain a preceding word or statement.
Epexegesis is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “By way of epexegesis, ...”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'EPEX' sounds like 'add-on specs' (specialised explanations). 'Epe-X-egesis': The X marks the spot where you add extra explanation.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLARIFICATION IS ADDITIVE ILLUMINATION (adding light to a dark statement).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'epexegesis' MOST likely to be encountered?