Epigram

Examples Help! What is the definition of Epigram?

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."

Definition of Epigram - a poetic device

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
  • Poem, Poems & Poetry - poetic device
  • Examples Help!

Epigram

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