Epigram

DEFINITION

Epigram is defined in Encyclopaedia Britannica as "an inscription suitable for carving on a monument, but since the time of the Greek Anthology (q.v.) applied to any brief and pithy verse, particularly if astringent and purporting to point a moral. By extension the term is also applied to any striking sentence in a novel, play, poem, or conversation that appears to express a succinct truth, usually in the form of a generalization." ("epigram")

Another, shorter but also concise definition is "An epigram is a short but insightful statement, often in verse form, which communicates a thought in a witty, paradoxical, or funny way." ("What is an Epigram?")

Let’s emphasize the important points:

• Originally, an epigram was an inscription suitable for carving on a monument

• Over time, it has evolved to refer to any brief, pithy verse

• Conveys a thought in a witty, paradoxical, or funny way

EXAMPLES

“There is only one thing worse in the world than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” – Oscar Wilde ("10 Best Epigram Examples To Study")

“Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.” – Oscar Wilde ("Common Examples of Epigrams")

“I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury.” – Groucho Marx ("10 Best Epigram Examples To Study")

“To see a world in a grain of sand, And a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, And eternity in an hour” – William Blake ("10 Best Epigram Examples To Study")

“There are no gains without pains.” – Benjamin Franklin ("Common Examples of Epigrams")

“If we don’t end war, war will end us.” – H. G. Wells ("Common Examples of Epigrams")

Author of the page: Adéla Trojanová