epigram

IPA/ˈepɪɡræm/
KK[ˈɛpəɡrˌæm]IPA/ˈepɪɡræm/

epigram — noun

  • epigramsingular
  • epigramsplural

1. A short spoken remark or written poem that makes a clever, often funny point, ty

1.nounC1
Definition

A short spoken remark or written poem that makes a clever, often funny point, typically ending with a surprising or sharp twist that makes the listener or reader stop and think.

Example

Sofia's wedding speech ended with a clever epigram that made all the guests laugh.

epigram + that-clause describing the effect

The writer Oscar Wilde was famous for his witty epigrams about society and daily life.

witty epigrams + about + topic

Common collocations
  • clever epigram
  • witty epigram
  • short epigram
  • ancient epigram
  • write an epigram
  • quote an epigram
  • end with an epigram
  • epigram about [topic]
Synonyms
  • witticism

    A witty remark, usually spoken and less formal than epigram; does not cover the poem sense

  • quip

    A short, clever comment made in conversation; more casual and typically shorter than an epigram

  • aphorism

    A short saying that states a general truth; less focused on humour or a twist ending than an epigram

  • maxim

    A short rule for behaviour or general truth; more serious and instructional than an epigram

Grammar Patterns

epigram + that-clause

epigram + about + topic

Usage Note

Countable noun. An epigram is different from a proverb — proverbs give traditional advice (e.g. 'Slow and steady wins the race'), while epigrams are original, clever remarks often attributed to a particular person. Epigrams frequently use paradox (a statement that seems to contradict itself but contains truth).

Common Mistakes

That old epigram says \"early bird gets the worm\" — you should wake up at six.
That old proverb says \"early bird gets the worm\
you should wake up at six.' — Proverbs are traditional pieces of advice; epigrams are witty original remarks by known authors.
My teacher gave us three epigrams to solve for homework.
My teacher gave us three math problems to solve for homework.
Epigrams are witty sayings or poems, not puzzles or exercises.

Word family

  • epigrammatic
    adjectiveC1
  • epigrammatically
    adverbC2
  • epigrammatist
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe short, clever statements, but they differ in formality, structure, and purpose. 'Epigram' is the broadest term, covering both spoken remarks and written poems, and it often has a sharp or surprising twist at the end. 'Witticism' refers specifically to a funny spoken remark — it is lighter and less formal, and never refers to a poem. 'Quip' is even more casual: a quick, amusing comment in conversation without the polished structure of an epigram. 'Aphorism' is a serious statement of a general truth ('Knowledge is power'), with humour being optional. 'Maxim' is a rule for how to behave ('Honesty is the best policy'), and is instructional rather than witty. For example, Oscar Wilde's line 'I can resist everything except temptation' is an epigram (witty, paradoxical, attributed to an author). The same line would not be called a maxim because it does not give advice, and calling it a quip would underplay its crafted structure.

witticism ↗quip ↗aphorism ↗maxim ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • end with an epigram
  • quote an epigram
  • famous for [someone's] epigrams

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'epigram' comes from the Greek word 'epígramma' (ἐπίγραμμα), which originally meant 'an inscription' — literally 'something written upon' something. In ancient Greece, short poems were carved onto stone monuments and buildings, and over time the word came to mean any short, clever poem or saying.

First known use

15th century

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1