e
pi
thet
Plural
epithets
1
an abusive word or insulting nickname that is used instead of someone's name or title
- She scorned those who called her the "bride of Dracula," rejecting the insulting epithet.
- His rivals used "Crazy Joe" as an epithet to refer to him in attempts to undermine his character.
- Throughout high school she was tormented by epithets like "four eyes" from jealous classmates.
- He faced frequent epithets from sports fans angered by his dominant performances.
Synonyms:
2
a word or phrase applied to something to convey its character or essence in a descriptive sense
An epithet is a descriptive term or phrase that characterizes a person, place, or thing, often highlighting a notable quality or feature. Epithets can serve to convey specific attributes or emotions associated with the subject. For instance, calling a lion "the King of the Jungle" underscores its strength and majesty. Epithets are commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday speech to create vivid imagery and convey meaning more effectively.
- Ancient texts often referred to soldiers with epitaphs like "brave warrior" or "mighty archer."
- Fans took to affectionately calling their favorite quarterback "Captain Comeback" as an epithet for his ability to lead late game winning drives.
- Kids nicknamed the friendly neighborhood dog with the epithet "Smiley" for his tail-wagging demeanor.
- In Homer's epics, characters are frequently identified by meaningful epithets like "rosy-fingered dawn" and "swift-footed Achilles."