epigram

Definitions

epi- (upon) + gram (something written) = words written upon a monument or tomb — an inscription. Because such inscriptions had to be brief and pointed, the meaning sharpened into a short, clever saying.

Why It Means This

The journey from 'inscription' to 'witty saying' is the heart of this word. A tomb has little room, so an epigram had to say much in few words. That compression — saying something memorable and pointed in a single line — became the defining quality, not the stone it was carved on.

Common Collocations

• 1.witty epigram机智的警句
• 2.famous epigram著名的警句

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Oscar Wilde was famous for his sharp, witty epigrams.

• 2.

  The essay ends with a memorable epigram about time.