epithet
/ˈepɪθet/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈepɪθet/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈe-pə-ˌthet also -thət/ (ame, mw)
epithet — 名詞
- epithetsingular
- epithetsplural
1. a descriptive label or set phrase linked to someone or something, or replacing t
稱號
帶評價的描述稱呼
a descriptive label or set phrase linked to someone or something, or replacing the usual name, to highlight a notable quality, whether approvingly or critically.
Classmates jokingly called Brian "the walking dictionary," an epithet he secretly enjoyed.
同學開玩笑叫 Brian「會走路的字典」，這個稱號其實讓他暗自得意。
call + someone + epithet
In the article, the mayor earned the epithet "the river guardian" after the flood.
報導裡，市長在洪水過後得到了「河流守護者」這個稱號。
The guide introduced Valentina as "the mountain doctor," a respectful local epithet.
導覽員把 Valentina 介紹成「山中醫生」，這是當地帶敬意的稱號。
Ancient poets gave the sea a glittering epithet before describing the storm.
古代詩人先替大海加上一個閃耀的稱號，再描寫那場風暴。
- sobriquet
usually refers to a memorable nickname for a person and often sounds more literary.
- nickname
more everyday and often affectionate, without the evaluative force of epithet.
- designation
more formal and neutral, often used for official labels rather than expressive ones.
文法句型
an epithet
give + someone/something + an epithet
用法筆記
Often found in history, literature, or formal commentary, where the label sums up a striking trait. Unlike an ordinary nickname, it usually carries praise or criticism rather than simple familiarity.
2. an insulting word or short expression aimed at a person or a group.
蔑稱
侮辱人的貶低稱呼
an insulting word or short expression aimed at a person or a group.
The referee stopped the match after a fan shouted a racial epithet.
有球迷喊出帶種族歧視的蔑稱後，裁判就中止了比賽。
racial epithet
Jessica left the chat when strangers kept throwing epithets at her brother.
陌生人一直朝她哥哥丟出蔑稱時，Jessica 就離開了聊天室。
throw epithets at
The witness heard one driver use an epithet during the parking-lot argument.
目擊者聽見其中一名駕駛人在停車場爭吵時用了蔑稱。
After the speech, reporters asked why the candidate had used that epithet.
演說後，記者追問那名候選人為什麼用了那個蔑稱。
文法句型
an epithet
hurl an epithet at + noun phrase
用法筆記
Common in reporting about prejudice, abuse, or political conflict. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is plainly abusive, not a descriptive title that may be admiring or critical.