Epigram
noun /ˈɛpɪɡram/ — A witty, pointed saying or short poem.
Definition
A concise, clever, often paradoxical statement or poem — an inscription with wit; a statement combining brevity, wit, and point, where the ending delivers a surprise or reversal.
Beyond the definition
The epigram is the aphorism with a twist — not just compressed truth but truth with a sting in the tail. Oscar Wilde was the master. The form requires control — too long and the point dissipates, too short and it loses the surprise.
Origin & history
From Latin epigramma, from Greek epigramma (inscription), from epi- (upon) + graphein (to write). Originally a short poem inscribed on a stone or statue; evolved into the witty saying that delivers a reversal in its final beat.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Wilde's epigrams survive because they are true — the wit is in the service of the observation.
She delivered the epigram at the end of her speech and the room went quiet before laughing.
A good epigram takes you somewhere unexpected with the last word.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Epigram” when the meaning fits your context: A concise, clever, often paradoxical statement or poem — an inscription with wit; a statement combining brevity, wit, and point, where the ending delivers a surprise or reversal.
Synonyms
Antonyms
rambling, verbose
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Adult Delivering Clever Joke
A close-up of an adult’s face reveals a subtle smile, their expression sharp, clever, and full of quick, surprising wit.
The sharp, fast-paced joke being told by the adult is the essence of an epigram. It combines brevity, wit, and a surprise ending that delivers a reversal, capturing the clever, paradoxical nature of a statement intended to surprise and delight.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Epigram" mean?
Epigram is noun meaning: A witty, pointed saying or short poem.. A concise, clever, often paradoxical statement or poem — an inscription with wit; a statement combining brevity, wit, and point, where the ending delivers a surprise or reversal.
Where does the word "Epigram" come from?
From Latin epigramma, from Greek epigramma (inscription), from epi- (upon) + graphein (to write). Originally a short poem inscribed on a stone or statue; evolved into the witty saying that delivers a reversal in its final beat.