epistle

IPA/ɪˈpɪsl/
KK[ɪpˈɪsəl]IPA/ɪˈpɪsl/

epistle — 名詞

  • epistlesingular
  • epistlesplural

1. a written message that one person sends to another, especially when the style is

1.名詞B2
釋義

書信

正式或舊式風格的信函

a written message that one person sends to another, especially when the style is formal or the word is used to give an old-fashioned or respectful tone

例句

Inês found a bundle of old epistles tied with ribbon in the attic.

Inês 在閣樓裡發現了一捆用緞帶綁著的舊書信。

count + of: a bundle of epistles

The ambassador sent a formal epistle to the foreign minister regarding the trade agreement.

大使就貿易協議事宜向外交部長發出了一封正式的書信。

formal + epistle: collocation for official correspondence

常見搭配
  • write an epistle
  • receive an epistle
  • long epistle
  • formal epistle
  • handwritten epistle
  • epistle from somebody
  • epistle to somebody
同義詞
  • letter

    the everyday word for a written message; 'epistle' is much more formal and less common

  • note

    a short, informal written message, unlike the longer, weightier tone of an epistle

  • message

    any form of communication, including digital; 'epistle' specifically refers to a written, usually physical, letter

用法筆記

In modern everyday English, 'letter' is the standard word. 'Epistle' sounds old-fashioned or very formal, and is often used deliberately for stylistic or humorous effect.

常見錯誤

I sent an epistle to my friend about our weekend plans.
I sent a letter to my friend about our weekend plans.
'Epistle' is too formal for casual correspondence; use 'letter' or 'note' instead.

2. A letter-like book within the Christian scriptures, composed by an early church

2.名詞B2
釋義

使徒書信

新約聖經中由使徒撰寫的書信

A letter-like book within the Christian scriptures, composed by an early church leader such as Paul to instruct or encourage a specific community or person.

例句

Ezra studied the Epistle to the Galatians for his sermon on Sunday morning.

Ezra 為了主日上午的講道研讀了《加拉太書》。

the Epistle to + [book name]: standard naming pattern

The pastor read a passage from one of Paul’s epistles during the evening service.

牧師在晚間禮拜時朗讀了保羅書信中的一段經文。

Paul’s epistles: common collocation for letters attributed to Saint Paul

常見搭配
  • the Epistle to the [Romans / Corinthians / Galatians]
  • Paul’s epistles
  • the pastoral epistles
  • New Testament epistles
  • read an epistle
  • a verse from the Epistle
同義詞
  • letter

    the general term; 'epistle' within Christian contexts is a technical term for New Testament writings

用法筆記

When referring to a specific biblical book, 'Epistle' is usually capitalized (e.g., 'the Epistle to the Romans'). Outside of biblical contexts, the lowercase form may be used playfully to compare a long message to a scripture-like letter.

常見錯誤

The epistle to the Romans is the sixth book of the New Testament.
The Epistle to the Romans is the sixth book of the New Testament.
The names of biblical books are capitalized in formal writing.
I read the Epistle this morning' (when referring to a non-religious letter).
I read the letter this morning.
'Epistle' with a capital E refers specifically to a New Testament book.

3. a letter that is unusually long, serious, or carefully written, sometimes compos

3.名詞C1
釋義

長篇書信

篇幅長、內容嚴肅或文學性的信件

a letter that is unusually long, serious, or carefully written, sometimes composed as a literary work intended for publication rather than private reading only

例句

Quan received a ten-page epistle from the professor explaining why the thesis needed major changes.

Quan 收到教授一封長達十頁的信，解釋論文為何需要大幅修改。

ten-page epistle: hyperbolic or humorous use for a long message

Alexander Pope wrote verse epistles to friends, blending personal news with ideas in rhyming form.

Alexander Pope 以韻文寫詩體書信給朋友，內容融合生活近況與各種想法。

verse epistle: literary genre, a poem written as a letter

常見搭配
  • lengthy epistle
  • emotional epistle
  • verse epistle
  • a five-page epistle
  • epistle to [somebody]
同義詞
  • missive

    also formal, but 'missive' can be of any length; 'epistle' emphasises length and gravity

  • dispatch

    usually an official message sent by a diplomat or reporter, not necessarily long or literary

用法筆記

This sense is often used humorously or with mild exaggeration. Calling a message an 'epistle' suggests it is noticeably longer or more serious than a typical letter or email.

常見錯誤

Please write a short epistle confirming your attendance.
Please write a short note confirming your attendance.
'Epistle' implies length and seriousness, so it sounds odd with 'short.'

同根字

  • epistolary
    形容詞C2
  • epistler
    名詞C2

常見搭配

介系詞搭配

  • epistle from
  • epistle to