epigoni
- noun
- /ˌɛpɪˈɡoʊnaɪ/
- Offensive
- The danger is an obvious one, for history gives us the conviction, according to Nietzsche, that we are all "mere epigoni," latecomers, vitiated voyeurs to the panorama that is the past.
Examples
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Many scholars argue that contemporary artists are often seen as mere epigoni of the great masters.
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Several authors in the literary world are viewed as epigoni who follow in the footsteps of those who came before them.
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In the debate about innovation, some believe that today’s scientists are just epigoni, imitating rather than creating new ideas.
Synonyms
A person or thing that takes over a job after someone else
How Distinguished
Surface Forms
Etymology
Epigoni comes from Greek parts epi- ('after') and -goni ('born' or 'offspring'), so it literally means 'those born after' the first group. That's why epigoni is used for followers or successors, often with the idea that they are less original than their predecessors.