epitaph

IPA/ˈepɪtɑːf/
KK[ˈɛpətˌæf]IPA/ˈepɪtæf/

epitaph — noun

  • epitaphsingular
  • epitaphsplural

1. a brief text, usually carved onto a tombstone or written in memory of someone wh

1.名詞B2
釋義

a brief text, usually carved onto a tombstone or written in memory of someone who has died, expressing remembrance, praise, or affection

例句

The stonemason carefully carved the epitaph that Zuri's family had chosen for her grandmother's grave.

collocation: carve an epitaph

Asher read the weathered epitaph: 'Here lies a devoted teacher who inspired young minds.'

epitaph + quotation format showing typical content

同義詞
  • inscription

    broader term for any text carved onto a surface such as a coin, building, or monument; not limited to graves

  • eulogy

    a spoken tribute delivered at a funeral, not carved into stone

  • tribute

    a general expression of admiration or gratitude, not limited to death or physical monuments

  • memorial

    can refer to an object, ceremony, or structure built to honour someone who has died

文法句型

epitaph + for/of + [person]

epitaph + on + [gravestone]

用法筆記

Frequently followed by a quotation or short text that reproduces the actual inscription. Subject is typically a family member, a poet, or a stonemason. The word is also used metaphorically to describe anything that marks the end of something (e.g., 'That defeat was the epitaph of his political career').

常見錯誤

❌The priest read an epitaph at the funeral.
✅The priest read a eulogy at the funeral.
💡An epitaph is written and usually carved on a gravestone; a eulogy is a spoken tribute at a funeral service.
❌She carved an offensive epithet on the wall.
✅She carved an offensive insult on the wall.
💡An epithet is a descriptive word or phrase, often negative; an epitaph is specifically about a dead person on a gravestone.