epigram etymology

Etymology:

• Derived from the Ancient Greek word ἐπίγραμμα (epígramma), meaning "inscription" or "writing upon."
• Composed of:
  • ἐπί (epí): "upon," "on"
  • γράμμα (grámma): "letter," "writing"

Meaning:

• A terse, concise, and often witty or satirical verse or saying that encapsulates a thought or observation.
• Typically, an epigram is intended to provoke laughter, surprise, or contemplation.

Origin:

• Epigrams originated in Ancient Greece, where they were used as inscriptions on tombs, monuments, and other objects.
• They served various purposes, such as:
  • Commemorating the dead
  • Celebrating victors
  • Mocking enemies
  • Providing moral guidance
• The earliest known epigrams date back to the 7th century BCE.
• Epigrams became popular in Rome, where they were adapted by poets such as Catullus, Martial, and Horace.
• The tradition of writing epigrams has continued throughout history, with notable practitioners including Alexander Pope, Samuel Johnson, and Oscar Wilde.

epigram relate terms

• epigraph

  Etymology Derived from the Greek word epigraphē meaning inscription or superinsc

• aphorism

  Etymology From Ancient Greek ἀφορισμός aphorismós from ἀφορίζω ap

• horizon

  Etymology Middle English orizont from Old French orizont from Late Latin horizon fr

• axiom

  Etymology The word axiom is derived from the Greek word axíōma which means that

• epigram

  Etymology Derived from the Ancient Greek word ἐπίγραμμα epígramma meaning

• Maxim

  Etymology The name Maxim is derived from the Latin word maximus which means greatest

• saying

  Etymology The word saying derives from the Old English word secgan meaning to speak

• epigrammatic

  Epigrammatic Etymology Origin From the Greek words epi upon and gramma letter

• epigram

  Etymology Derived from the Ancient Greek word ἐπίγραμμα epígramma meaning

• expression

  Etymology The word expression derives from the Latin word expressio which means to

• saying

  Etymology The word saying derives from the Old English word secgan meaning to speak

• history

  Etymology Greek ἱστορία historia inquiry knowledge acquired by investigati

• Druid

  Etymology The word druid derives from the Proto Celtic word druwid which is of uncer

• cult

  Etymology The word cult comes from the Latin word cultus which means worship re

• secretary

  Etymology Latin secretarius keeper of secrets Proto Indo European sekw follow

• legacy

  Etymology The word legacy comes from the Latin word legare meaning to give or bequ

• hector

  Etymology The name Hector has ancient Greek origins It is derived from the Greek word

• wait

  Etymology Old English wæht Proto Germanic wahti Proto Indo European weh t woh t

• waffle

  Etymology The term waffle comes from the Middle Dutch word wafel meaning honeycomb