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")
("Quotes By Oscar Wilde | Relaxing and Listening to quotes by the Fireplace and Ambience").
Works cited:
“Epigram.” Edited by The Editors of Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, 2023, www.britannica.com/art/epigram. Accessed 22 Oct. 2023
“What is an epigram.” Literary Terms, Literary Terms, 2023, https://literaryterms.net/epigram/. Accessed 22 Oct, 2023
“10 Best Epigram Examples To Study.” Become a writer today, Become a writer today, 2023, https://becomeawritertoday.com/epigram-examples/. Accessed 22 Oct, 2023
“Common examples of epigram.” BYJU'S, BYJU'S, 2023, https://byjus.com/english/epigram/. Accessed 22 Oct. 2023
Videos cited:
“ Quotes By Oscar Wilde | Relaxing and Listening to quotes by the Fireplace and Ambience" Youtube, uploaded by Shepherd, 1 October 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulcHCOaXIOY&ab_channel=Shepherd
Author of the page: Adéla Trojanová