YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

epithet

Noun

IPA /ˈepɪθet/

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UNDERSTAND THE WORD

Meaning in plain English

A descriptive word or phrase used as a label for someone or something.

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Pronunciation

epithet/ˈepɪθet/

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A character is known for courage
Others call her the Fearless
The phrase becomes a descriptive label

An epithet is a descriptive word or phrase attached to a person or thing.

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Examples in context

Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.

Her tireless volunteering earned her the affectionate epithet the village's guardian.
The class discussed why the poet gave the hero the epithet fearless.

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Her tireless volunteering earned her the affectionate ________ the village's guardian.

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epithet — A descriptive word or phrase used as a label for someone or something.

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A descriptive word or phrase used as a label for someone or something.

Compare: Her tireless volunteering earned her the affectionate epithet the village's guardian.

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Word origin

Through French or Latin from Greek epitheton, referring to something added or attributed.

Did you know?

An epithet can express praise or criticism; the word also has a separate sense referring to an insult.

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