epistle

[ih-pis-uh l]

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

Synonyms for epistle

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'

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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.