Epigraph

/ˈepɪɡræf/
noun

A short quote or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter, meant to suggest its theme.

The epigraph of the novel was a quote from a famous philosopher.
Visual representation of "epigraph" - A short quote or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter, meant to suggest its theme.

Often appears as...

  • insert epigraph
  • provide epigraph

Usage tips

Formal

Literary

noun

An inscription on a statue or building.

The epigraph on the monument told the story of the hero it honored.
Visual representation of "epigraph" - An inscription on a statue or building

Often appears as...

  • read an epigraph
  • carve an epigraph

Usage tips

Formal

noun

A short quote or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter, meant to suggest its theme.

The epigraph of the novel was a quote from a famous philosopher.
Visual representation of "epigraph" - A short quote or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter, meant to suggest its theme.

Often appears as...

  • insert epigraph
  • provide epigraph

Usage tips

Formal

Literary

noun

An inscription on a statue or building.

The epigraph on the monument told the story of the hero it honored.
Visual representation of "epigraph" - An inscription on a statue or building

Often appears as...

  • read an epigraph
  • carve an epigraph

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "epigraph"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Setting Tone

An epigraph can set the tone for the book or chapter that follows.

Illustration for Setting Tone
The epigraph's somber tone prepared readers for the book's serious subject matter.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Reflective of Theme

Choose an epigraph that reflects the themes you will explore in your writing.

Illustration for Reflective of Theme
Her novel on freedom opened with an epigraph about liberty.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Authors' Choices

Authors often pick an epigraph from another work to connect or contrast themes.

Illustration for Authors' Choices
The epigraph from Shakespeare shed light on the modern play's themes.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Setting Tone

An epigraph can set the tone for the book or chapter that follows.

Illustration for Setting Tone
The epigraph's somber tone prepared readers for the book's serious subject matter.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Reflective of Theme

Choose an epigraph that reflects the themes you will explore in your writing.

Illustration for Reflective of Theme
Her novel on freedom opened with an epigraph about liberty.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Authors' Choices

Authors often pick an epigraph from another work to connect or contrast themes.

Illustration for Authors' Choices
The epigraph from Shakespeare shed light on the modern play's themes.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Setting Tone

An epigraph can set the tone for the book or chapter that follows.

Illustration for Setting Tone
The epigraph's somber tone prepared readers for the book's serious subject matter.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Reflective of Theme

Choose an epigraph that reflects the themes you will explore in your writing.

Illustration for Reflective of Theme
Her novel on freedom opened with an epigraph about liberty.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Authors' Choices

Authors often pick an epigraph from another work to connect or contrast themes.

Illustration for Authors' Choices
The epigraph from Shakespeare shed light on the modern play's themes.
Visual representation of the word "Epigraph"

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