epistle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, Religious
Quick answer
What does “epistle” mean?
A formal or instructive letter, especially one of a serious or literary nature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal or instructive letter, especially one of a serious or literary nature.
Can refer specifically to the letters written by the apostles in the New Testament (e.g., Epistle to the Romans). In a literary or humorous context, it can refer to a long, elaborate written communication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally formal and literary in both variants.
Connotations
Slightly antiquated in both, but perhaps more readily associated with religious contexts in the US due to higher prevalence of evangelical terminology.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. Slightly higher frequency in academic, theological, or literary discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “epistle” in a Sentence
an epistle to [person/group]an epistle from [person]an epistle on/regarding/concerning [topic]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Formal business communication would use 'letter', 'memorandum', 'dispatch'.
Academic
Used in theological, classical, literary, or historical studies to refer to specific letters (e.g., 'the epistles of Cicero', 'the Johannine epistles').
Everyday
Extremely rare. May be used humorously for a very long email or message: 'I just sent you an epistle about my holiday.'
Technical
Primarily a technical term in biblical studies and classical philology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epistle”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “epistle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epistle”
- Using it as a synonym for any short note or email. Mispronouncing it as /ˈep.ɪs.əl/ (with stress on the first syllable).
- Using it as a verb (to epistle) is archaic and incorrect in modern English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes, but with important connotations. An epistle is typically formal, literary, instructive, and often lengthy. A 'letter' is the broader, neutral term.
Only in a very specific, usually humorous or ironic way. If you receive an extremely long, formal, or preachy email, you might jokingly call it an 'epistle'. In standard usage, it is not appropriate for emails.
A 'pastoral letter' is a specific type of epistle written by a bishop or church leader to the clergy or congregation of a diocese. 'Epistle' is the broader category.
Yes. Many famous historical and literary figures wrote epistles. For example, the letters of Cicero, Seneca the Younger, and Pliny the Younger are classic examples. In literature, novels like 'Frankenstein' are written in an epistolary form (as a series of letters).
A formal or instructive letter, especially one of a serious or literary nature.
Epistle is usually formal, literary, religious in register.
Epistle: in British English it is pronounced /ɪˈpɪs.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪˈpɪs.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'epistle'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the Apostle Paul. He wrote many EPISTLES. The word sounds like 'a pistol' – imagine an important letter being delivered with the urgency of a shot.
Conceptual Metaphor
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION IS A PHYSICAL JOURNEY / GIFT (e.g., 'He sent an epistle across the sea,' 'the epistle contained wisdom').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'epistle' most appropriately used?