What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
epigraph
Example
The epigraph at the beginning of the novel foreshadowed the tragic ending. [epigraph: noun]
Example
She chose an epigraph from Shakespeare's sonnets to introduce her thesis. [epigraph: noun]
inscription
Example
The inscription on the tombstone read 'Beloved husband and father'. [inscription: noun]
Example
The artist inscribed her name on the sculpture she created. [inscribed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inscription is more commonly used than epigraph in everyday language. Inscription is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while epigraph is less common and is mostly used in literary or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between epigraph and inscription?
Both epigraph and inscription can be used in formal or informal contexts, but epigraph is more commonly used in academic or literary settings, while inscription is more commonly used in commemorative or informational contexts.
