epigrammatize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowLiterary, formal, academic
Quick answer
What does “epigrammatize” mean?
to express something in the form of a short, witty, pointed statement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to express something in the form of a short, witty, pointed statement.
To write or speak in epigrams; to compose concise, clever, often satirical verses or remarks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The '-ize' spelling is standard in both, though UK sometimes accepts '-ise'.
Connotations
Equally literary and rare in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely uncommon in everyday speech or writing in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “epigrammatize” in a Sentence
[Subject] + epigrammatize + (on/upon + [Topic])[Subject] + epigrammatize + [Direct Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epigrammatize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Oscar Wilde delighted to epigrammatise on the follies of Victorian society.
- The poet had a knack for epigrammatising complex emotions.
American English
- The columnist would often epigrammatize the political circus in a few biting lines.
- He tried to epigrammatize his philosophy into a single memorable sentence.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism or studies of rhetoric and style.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound pretentious.
Technical
Specific to discussions of literary forms.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epigrammatize”
- Using it to mean simply 'to write' or 'to summarize'.
- Confusing with 'epigraph' (a quotation at the start of a work).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency word used almost exclusively in literary or academic contexts.
The related nouns are 'epigram' (the product) and 'epigrammatism' (the practice or style).
It would sound highly unusual and pretentious in casual speech. Simpler synonyms like 'quip' or 'say wittily' are preferred.
They are very close synonyms. 'Epigrammatize' often carries a stronger connotation of satire or pointed wit, while 'aphorize' leans slightly more toward general, philosophical conciseness.
to express something in the form of a short, witty, pointed statement.
Epigrammatize is usually literary, formal, academic in register.
Epigrammatize: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɛpɪˈɡramətʌɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɛpəˈɡræməˌtaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To epigrammatize on life”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'EPI' (upon) + 'GRAM' (writing) + '-IZE' (to make) = 'to make a writing upon' a subject, but very short and sharp.
Conceptual Metaphor
THOUGHT IS A DAGGER (epigrammatizing is honing and thrusting it).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'to epigrammatize'?