epithetic
1
9.1
- adjective
- /ˌɛpɪˈθɛtɪk/
- Specialized
- The poet used an epithetic phrase to vividly describe the beauty of the landscape.
Examples
-
Since Bellini's first essay on the subject, the traditional figures of the apostles, in spite of their epithetic function, have been increasingly provided with dramatic and fidgeting postures, which more or less appropriately translate their astonishment in recognizing Christ.
Academic text (2007) -
As a result, Jesus's identity and majesty are subtly undermined, since beholders would rather anticipate seeing either his epithetic aureole or, in default of it, a less deceptive shadow.
Academic text (2007) -
In the novel, the main character is often referred to by an epithetic nickname that highlights her strength.
-
His speech was filled with epithetic language that emphasized the importance of community.
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word epithetic comes from Greek parts epi- 'on' and a root meaning 'to place', and it is the same idea behind epithet. So an epithetic word is like a descriptive label 'placed on' a name, which is why it means a descriptive word or phrase.