epigraph: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low frequency, academic/literary contexts)Formal, Literary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “epigraph” mean?
A short quotation or inscription at the beginning of a book or chapter, suggesting its theme.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short quotation or inscription at the beginning of a book or chapter, suggesting its theme.
1. An inscription on a building, statue, or coin. 2. In geometry: a line drawn on a figure that meets its sides or vertices in a specific way (rare, technical).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical scholarly/literary connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, used in similar contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “epigraph” in a Sentence
The book/chapter has an epigraph from [Author].The epigraph is taken from [Source].[Author] is used as an epigraph.An epigraph appears before the text.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epigraph” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The author chose to epigraph the chapter with a line from Milton.
American English
- She epigraphed her thesis with a quote from her mentor.
adverb
British English
- This term is used epigraphically in ancient Greek texts.
American English
- The quote was placed epigraphically at the head of the manuscript.
adjective
British English
- The epigraphic study of Roman monuments is called epigraphy.
American English
- The epigraphic material was carefully catalogued by the archaeologists.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, classical studies, and history to describe inscriptions or introductory quotes.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be understood only by well-read individuals.
Technical
Specialised use in geometry (rare) and archaeology/ epigraphy (study of inscriptions).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epigraph”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “epigraph”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epigraph”
- Misspelling as 'epigram'.
- Using it to mean a short, witty saying (that's an epigram).
- Confusing it with 'epitaph' (for the dead).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An epigraph is a quotation at the start of a text. An epigram is a short, witty poem or saying.
No, by definition, an epigraph is placed at the beginning of a text or a section of it.
No, it is a low-frequency word used primarily in formal, literary, or academic writing.
The study of inscriptions (including epigraphs on buildings, coins, etc.) is called 'epigraphy'.
A short quotation or inscription at the beginning of a book or chapter, suggesting its theme.
Epigraph is usually formal, literary, academic in register.
Epigraph: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɛp.ɪ.ɡrɑːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛp.ə.ɡræf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EPI-GRAPH. EPI means 'upon' (like on a building or at the start of a text). GRAPH means 'writing'. So it's writing placed upon something.
Conceptual Metaphor
A KEY to the text's meaning; A DOORWAY into the text's theme; A SEAL authenticating the work's intellectual heritage.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best definition of an 'epigraph' in a literary context?