Epigram vs. Epigraph — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 17, 2024
"Epigram" is a concise, witty, and often paradoxical statement or poem, while "Epigraph" is a short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter, setting the theme.
Difference Between Epigram and Epigraph
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Epigram" refers to a brief, clever, and memorable statement, often with a satirical or humorous twist. It is a form of poetic expression that aims to surprise or provoke thought through wit and brevity. "Epigraph" is a short quotation, phrase, or poem placed at the beginning of a book, chapter, or other work. It serves to introduce or suggest the theme or mood of the text that follows, providing context or insight into the content.
"Epigram" is used for its pithiness and ability to convey sharp insights or observations in a few words, often leaving a lasting impression due to its cleverness. "Epigraph," on the other hand, is used to frame the reader's understanding of the work, offering a preliminary reflection or thematic hint.
"Epigram" can be standalone literary pieces or parts of larger works, characterized by their brevity and wit. "Epigraph" is always a prefatory element, borrowed from another author or work to enrich the new text.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Brief, witty statement or poem
Short quotation at the beginning of a work
Purpose
To amuse, provoke thought, or satirize
To set the theme or tone
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Usage Context
Standalone or part of larger works
Prefatory element in books or chapters
Characteristics
Clever, concise, often paradoxical
Insightful, thematic, context-setting
Example Sentence
E.g., "Oscar Wilde's epigrams are famous for their wit."
E.g., "The novel begins with an epigraph from Shakespeare."
Compare with Definitions
Epigram
A short, clever poem with a humorous or satirical twist.
She wrote an epigram about the absurdities of modern life.
Epigraph
An introductory passage that provides context for the text.
Each chapter starts with an epigraph that foreshadows events.
Epigram
A concise, witty, and often paradoxical statement.
Oscar Wilde's epigrams are famous for their wit and insight.
Epigraph
A quote used to frame the reader's understanding of the text.
The epigraph, taken from a famous poem, enriches the narrative.
Epigram
A literary device used to convey a sharp observation.
The book is peppered with epigrams that make you think.
Epigraph
A prefatory statement setting the theme or tone of the work.
The epigraph hints at the central conflict of the story.
Epigram
A brief statement that encapsulates a truth or observation.
The epigram 'I can resist everything except temptation' is well-known.
Epigraph
A short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter.
The novel opens with an epigraph from T.S. Eliot.
Epigram
An epigram is a brief, interesting, memorable, and sometimes surprising or satirical statement. The word is derived from the Greek ἐπίγραμμα epigramma "inscription" from ἐπιγράφειν epigraphein "to write on, to inscribe", and the literary device has been employed for over two millennia.
Epigraph
A borrowed piece of text that enhances the new work.
The epigraph from Thoreau adds depth to the author's message.
Epigram
A short, witty poem expressing a single thought or observation.
Epigraph
An inscription, as on a statue or building.
Epigram
A concise, clever, often paradoxical statement.
Epigraph
A motto or quotation, as at the beginning of a literary composition, setting forth a theme.
Epigram
Epigrammatic discourse or expression.
Epigraph
An inscription, especially on a building.
Epigram
(obsolete) An inscription in stone.
Epigraph
A literary quotation placed at the beginning of a book or other text.
Epigram
A brief but witty saying.
Epigraph
The set of all points lying on or above the function's graph.
Epigram
A short, witty or pithy poem.
Epigraph
(transitive) To provide (a literary work) with an epigraph.
Epigram
A short poem treating concisely and pointedly of a single thought or event. The modern epigram is so contrived as to surprise the reader with a witticism or ingenious turn of thought, and is often satirical in character.
Dost thou think I care for a satire or an epigram?
Epigraph
Any inscription set upon a building; especially, one which has to do with the building itself, its founding or dedication.
Epigram
An effusion of wit; a bright thought tersely and sharply expressed, whether in verse or prose.
Epigraph
A citation from some author, or a sentence framed for the purpose, placed at the beginning of a work or of its separate divisions; a motto.
Epigram
The style of the epigram.
Antithesis, i. e., bilateral stroke, is the soul of epigram in its later and technical signification.
Epigraph
A quotation at the beginning of some piece of writing
Epigram
A witty saying
Epigraph
An engraved inscription
Epigram
A pithy remark or saying.
The author's speech was full of memorable epigrams.
Common Curiosities
What is an epigram?
It is a brief, witty, and often paradoxical statement or poem.
What is an epigraph?
It is a short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter, setting the theme.
Do epigrams have to be humorous?
Often, but not always; they can also be insightful or satirical.
Do epigraphs need to relate to the content?
Yes, they typically relate to and enhance the theme or tone of the text.
What is the main purpose of an epigraph?
To set the theme or tone of the work that follows.
Can an epigram be a quote from another author?
It can be, but it is often an original, witty statement by the author.
Can an epigram be part of a longer work?
Yes, it can be a standalone piece or part of a larger work.
Is an epigraph always at the beginning?
Yes, it appears at the beginning of a book, chapter, or other work.
Is an epigraph an original work by the author?
No, it is usually a borrowed quotation or saying.
Are epigrams and epigraphs used in different types of writing?
Yes, epigrams are often found in poetry or prose, while epigraphs are used in books and chapters.
Can an epigraph be long?
No, it is typically short, just a few lines or a brief passage.
What is the main purpose of an epigram?
To amuse, provoke thought, or satirize through brevity and wit.
Are epigrams used in speeches?
Yes, they are often used in speeches for their memorable impact.
Can an epigram be serious?
Yes, it can be serious, though it is often witty or humorous.
Can an epigraph be from a poem?
Yes, epigraphs can be from poems, prose, or any other form of writing.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
