How do you define Epigram? What is an Epigram? The word derives from the Greek 'epi' meaning upon and 'graphein' to write. Originally meant an inscription on a monument, hence it came to signify any pointed expression. Plural: Epigrams. The definition of Epigram is as follows:
English Grammar & Terminology Definition of Epigram - a poetic device
Definition: A statement, or any brief saying in prose or poetry, in which there is an apparent contradiction. A very short, satirical and witty poem usually written as a brief couplet or quatrain.
Examples of Epigrams "Conspicuous for his absence." "Beauty when unadorned is most adorned." "He was too foolish to commit folly." "He was so wealthy that he could not spare the money."
Examples of Epigram in Poems & Poetry Poems with Epigram examples can be found by the most famous poets including John Donne
"I am unable, yonder beggar cries, To stand, or move; if he say true, he lies." A Lame Begger by John Donne
"On my First Son" by Ben Jonson whose son died of the plague in 1603
"How I do love thee, Beaumont, and thy Muse, That unto me dost such religion use !" Part of an epigram to Francis Beaumont by Ben Jonson
5 Examples of epigrams by John Donne:
HERO AND LEANDER Both robb'd of air, we both lie in one ground Both whom one fire had burnt, one water drown'd
PYRAMUS AND THISBE Two, by themselves, each other, love and fear Slain, cruel friends, by parting have join'd here.
A LICENTIOUS PERSON Thy sins and hairs may no man equal call ; For, as thy sins increase, thy hairs do fall.
ANTIQUARY If in his study he hath so much care To hang all old strange things, let his wife beware.
AN OBSCURE WRITER Philo with twelve years' study hath been grieved To be understood ; when will he be believed?
Examples of Epigram Poems
Examples Help! Use of Epigram in Poems & Poetry Examples of Epigram can be found in many examples of the poem, poems or poetry. Famous poets use this figure of speech to convey and emphasize unusual and vivid images. The use of strong word association changes the mode of thought and adds variation, embellishment and adornment to literary works.
Examples Help - Figures of Speech - Epigram
In Figurative Language we use words in such a way that they differ somewhat from ordinary every-day speech and convey meanings in a more vivid and impressive manner. Figures, like Epigram make speech more effective, they beautify and emphasize it in Rhetoric which is the art of speaking and writing effectively. Figures of speech such as Epigram use word association to convey emotion and mood often in a non-literal sense.
Examples Help! Using Epigram
Figures of speech such as Epigram adds adornment, beautifies, colors, elegant variation, embellishment, embroidery, emphasis, exaggeration, exclamation, flourish, floweriness, irony, lushness and luxuriance to the English language. This page providing facts and info about Figures of Speech will help with the understanding of this subject.
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Poem, Poems & Poetry - Epigram
Word association to convey emotion and mood.
Definition, sample and example - poetic device
Figure of Speech in English Grammar
Definitions, info, samples and examples of different English Figurative Language
Epigram - figure, image, trope
Word association to convey emotion and mood.
Definition, info, sample and example - figure, image, trope - Poetic device
