Basic Details
Word: Epithet
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A word or phrase used to describe someone or something, often positively or negatively.
Synonyms: Title, label, nickname
Antonyms: N/A
Idioms and Phrases
- Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me: An expression meaning that verbal insults, or epithets, should not be taken seriously. Example: "When they called him names, he remembered that sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."
- A rose by any other name: This idiom suggests that names, including epithets, do not affect what something is. Example: "She might be called 'the quiet one,' but a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The historic epic poem is filled with epithets like 'swift-footed Achilles' to highlight the hero's qualities.
Example 2: In ancient Greece, soldiers were often given epithets that reflected their strengths or heroic deeds.
Example 3: The teacher encouraged her students to use powerful epithets in their writings to make their characters more vivid.
Fun Fact
The word "epithet" comes from the Greek word "epitithenai," which means "to place upon." It originally referred to a descriptive phrase added to a name, particularly in literature and poetry.
Famous Quote
"He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else." Benjamin Franklin. This reminds us that although some epithets might highlight flaws, they should not define a person's entire character.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "epithet" mean?
a) A type of plant
b) A word or phrase used to describe someone
c) A kind of historical document
d) A type of game
Answer: b) A word or phrase used to describe someone
2. Which of these is a synonym of "epithet"?
a) Friend
b) Label
c) Story
d) Animal
Answer: b) Label
3. Which sentence uses "epithet" correctly?
a) The epithet of the story was very exciting.
b) The king wore a heavy epithet on his head.
c) The poet used an epithet to describe the beautiful sunset.
d) The epithet jumped over the bushes.
Answer: c) The poet used an epithet to describe the beautiful sunset.
4. Which idiom suggests that names do not affect what something is?
a) All that glitters is not gold
b) A rose by any other name
c) The early bird catches the worm
d) A penny for your thoughts
Answer: b) A rose by any other name
5. What is the opposite of "epithet"?
a) N/A
b) Description
c) Title
d) Analogy
Answer: a) N/A
