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

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

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

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.'