epigram
pronunciation
How to pronounce epigram in British English:
UK [ˈepɪgræm]
How to pronounce epigram in American English:
US [ˈɛpɪˌɡræm]
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- Noun:
- a witty saying
Word Origin
- epigram (n.)
- also epigramme, mid-15c., from Middle French épigramme, from Latin epigramma "an inscription," from Greek epigramma "inscription (especially in verse) on a tomb, public monument, etc.; a written estimate," from epigraphein "to write on, inscribe" (see epigraph). "The term was afterward extended to any little piece of verse expressing with precision a delicate or ingenious thought" [Century Dictionary]. Related: Epigrammatist.
Example
- 1. There is a saying in the transport business that if it flies or floats , you should rent it ( there are also much ruder versions of this epigram ) .