Epitaph Meaning in English
word
ˈɛpəˌtæf
EP-uh-taf
ˈɛpɪtˌæf
EP-i-taf
Definition
An epitaph is a short text or phrase written on a tombstone or monument in memory of a person who has died.
Usage & Nuances
Used in formal and literary contexts; rarely heard in everyday conversation. Common phrases: 'an epitaph for...', 'his/her epitaph'. Not the same as 'obituary,' which is a newspaper notice. Sometimes used metaphorically for a final tribute.
Spanish: epitafioPortuguese (BR): epitáfioPortuguese (PT): epitáfioChinese (Simplified): 墓志铭Chinese (Traditional): 墓誌銘Hindi: अभिलेख (समाधि लेख)Arabic: النقش التذكاريBengali: সমাধিলিপিRussian: эпитафияJapanese: 碑文（ひぶん）Vietnamese: bia mộ - lời đề trên mộKorean: 비문Turkish: mezar yazısı - epitafUrdu: کتبہ (قبر پر لکھی تحریر)Indonesian: epitaf - tulisan nisan
Example Sentences
The epitaph on her grave was very touching.
basic
He wrote an epitaph for his late father.
basic
The epitaph said, 'Beloved friend and teacher.'
basic
Many people want a funny epitaph to make others smile after they're gone.
natural
She joked that her epitaph should read, 'I told you I was sick.'
natural
Historians often study epitaphs to learn about people from the past.
natural