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epigoni

epigoni

9.9
People who come after famous artists or writers and copy their work but are less original
  • noun
  • /ˌɛpɪˈɡoʊnaɪ/
  • Offensive
: epígono
  • 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

  • Many scholars argue that contemporary artists are often seen as mere epigoni of the great masters.

  • Several authors in the literary world are viewed as epigoni who follow in the footsteps of those who came before them.

  • In the debate about innovation, some believe that today’s scientists are just epigoni, imitating rather than creating new ideas.

Synonyms

successor
vsepigoni
132 3.7

A person or thing that takes over a job after someone else

is viewed as taking the role but considered less distinguished than earlier holders

How Distinguished

luminary
14 7.6
heir
189 4.6
successor
132 3.7
epigoni
  • Offensive
9.9
followers
98 2.1

Surface Forms

epigoni singular
epigonos plural

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.