Epigram
['epɪgræm]
Definition
(n.) 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.
(n.) An effusion of wit; a bright thought tersely and sharply expressed, whether in verse or prose.
(n.) The style of the epigram.
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Definition
n. any concise and pointed or sarcastic saying: a short poem on one subject ending with an ingenious thought.—adjs. Epigrammat′ic -al relating to or dealing in epigrams: like an epigram: concise and pointed.—adv. Epigrammat′ically.—v.t. Epigram′matise to make an epigram on.—n. Epigram′matist one who writes epigrams.
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Unserious Contents or Definition
n. A short sharp saying in prose or verse frequently characterized by acidity or acerbity and sometimes by wisdom. Following are some of the more notable epigrams of the learned and ingenious Dr. Jamrach Holobom:
Typist: Remington
Examples
- Yes, ultimately, said Mrs. Garth, who having a special dislike to fine words on ugly occasions, could not now repress an epigram. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- And murder will out (another moral epigram), will it? Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- To this Tommy we may apply the epigram written on another Tommy: What can little Tommy do? Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- Like her rivals, said Mr. Sillerton Jackson, with the air of producing an epigram. Edith Wharton. The Age of Innocence.
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