epigram
epigram — noun
- epigramsingular
- epigramsplural
1. A short spoken remark or written poem that makes a clever, often funny point, ty
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.
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
Arjun read an ancient epigram aloud and then explained its meaning to his classmates.
On the library wall, an old stone epigram reminded students to love knowledge.
Amara wrote a short epigram for the school poetry competition and won first prize.
- 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
文法句型
epigram + that-clause
epigram + about + topic
用法筆記
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).