epigraph Definition
- 1an inscription on a building, statue, or coin
- 2a short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter, intended to suggest its theme
Using epigraph: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "epigraph" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The epigraph on the statue reads 'Freedom for all'.
Example
The author chose a Shakespearean epigraph for the opening of her novel.
Example
The epigraph at the beginning of the chapter sets the tone for the rest of the book.
epigraph Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for epigraph
Phrases with epigraph
a short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter, intended to suggest its theme or to provide context for the reader
Example
The literary epigraph at the beginning of the chapter provides a clue about the character's motivations.
Example
The funerary epigraph on the gravestone read 'Rest in peace'.
an inscription on a coin or medal that identifies the issuing authority or commemorates an event
Example
The numismatic epigraph on the coin indicated the year it was minted.
Origins of epigraph
from Greek 'epi-' meaning 'on' and 'grapho' meaning 'write'
Summary: epigraph in Brief
An 'epigraph' [ˈɛpɪɡræf] is either an inscription on a building, statue, or coin, or a short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter. The literary epigraph is used to suggest the theme or provide context for the reader, while the funerary epigraph commemorates the deceased. The numismatic epigraph identifies the issuing authority or commemorates an event.
