epistle Definition
a letter, especially a formal or didactic one; written communication.
Using epistle: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "epistle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The book is a collection of his epistles to friends and colleagues.
Example
He wrote a lengthy epistle to his son, detailing his life experiences.
Example
The epistle was addressed to the entire congregation.
Example
I received an epistle from my pen pal in Japan.
epistle Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with epistle
Pauline epistles
fourteen letters in the New Testament traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle
Example
The Pauline epistles are considered some of the most important texts in the Christian religion.
general epistles
seven letters in the New Testament that were not written by Paul the Apostle
Example
The general epistles include works by James, Peter, John, and Jude.
epistolary novel
a novel written as a series of documents, usually in the form of letters
Example
'Dracula' by Bram Stoker is an example of an epistolary novel.
Origins of epistle
from Old French 'epistle', from Latin 'epistula', meaning 'letter'
Summary: epistle in Brief
An 'epistle' [ih-pis-uh l] is a formal or didactic letter or written communication. It can be addressed to an individual or a group, and can be personal or professional. Examples of 'epistle' include the Pauline and general epistles in the New Testament, and the epistolary novel, a literary work composed of a series of letters.