Epistle
noun
A formal or important letter or email.
The students received an epistle from the school's principal detailing the new rules.
Often appears as...
- epistle to
- epistle from
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
noun
A specific book of the New Testament in the Bible, written as a letter to a person or group.
The Epistle to the Romans is one of Paul's longest letters in the Bible.
Often appears as...
- epistle to
- paul's epistle
Usage tips
Religious
noun
A formal or important letter or email.
The students received an epistle from the school's principal detailing the new rules.
Often appears as...
- epistle to
- epistle from
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
noun
A specific book of the New Testament in the Bible, written as a letter to a person or group.
The Epistle to the Romans is one of Paul's longest letters in the Bible.
Often appears as...
- epistle to
- paul's epistle
Usage tips
Religious
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Usage
Traditionally used for formal letters, often with philosophical or moral content, not casual communication.
His epistle to the community discussed ethical living.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary Flair
Using 'epistle' adds a literary or sophisticated tone to a piece of writing.
She styled her farewell note as an epistle.
Pro Tip 3/3Rare in Speech
It's uncommon in everyday language, may sound outdated or pretentious in spoken conversation.
He jokingly called his lengthy text an 'epistle'.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Usage
Traditionally used for formal letters, often with philosophical or moral content, not casual communication.
His epistle to the community discussed ethical living.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary Flair
Using 'epistle' adds a literary or sophisticated tone to a piece of writing.
She styled her farewell note as an epistle.
Pro Tip 3/3Rare in Speech
It's uncommon in everyday language, may sound outdated or pretentious in spoken conversation.
He jokingly called his lengthy text an 'epistle'.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Usage
Traditionally used for formal letters, often with philosophical or moral content, not casual communication.
His epistle to the community discussed ethical living.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary Flair
Using 'epistle' adds a literary or sophisticated tone to a piece of writing.
She styled her farewell note as an epistle.
Pro Tip 3/3Rare in Speech
It's uncommon in everyday language, may sound outdated or pretentious in spoken conversation.
He jokingly called his lengthy text an 'epistle'.
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Quote examples
J. C. Ryle
English Clergyman
Necessity is laid upon us. We must fight. There are no promises in the Lord Jesus Christ's epistles to the seven churches, except to those who 'overcome.' Where there is grace, there will be conflict. The believer is a soldier. There is no holiness without a warfare. Saved souls will always be found to have fought a fight.
Quote examples
Margaret Fuller
American Critic
Essays, entitled critical, are epistles addressed to the public, through which the mind of the recluse relieves itself of its impressions.
Quote examples
Philip Schaff
Swiss Theologian
To the first class belong the Gospels and Acts; to the second, the Epistles; to the third, the Revelation.
Quote examples
J. C. Ryle
English Clergyman
Necessity is laid upon us. We must fight. There are no promises in the Lord Jesus Christ's epistles to the seven churches, except to those who 'overcome.' Where there is grace, there will be conflict. The believer is a soldier. There is no holiness without a warfare. Saved souls will always be found to have fought a fight.
Quote examples
Margaret Fuller
American Critic
Essays, entitled critical, are epistles addressed to the public, through which the mind of the recluse relieves itself of its impressions.
Quote examples
Philip Schaff
Swiss Theologian
To the first class belong the Gospels and Acts; to the second, the Epistles; to the third, the Revelation.
Example 1 of 3
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