Definition

Relating to or characteristic of an epithet, which is a descriptive phrase expressing a quality or attribute of a person or thing.

Example

The poet used an epithetical phrase to highlight the hero's bravery.

Conversation

I just read an article about how some names can be quite epithetical.

Really? I’ve never thought about names that way.

Yeah, it’s interesting how they can carry meanings or traits.

That makes sense; I guess it adds depth to a person's identity!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Epithetical → It is formed from "epitheton" (from Greek "epitheton", meaning an addition or attribute) and the suffix "-ical" (meaning pertaining to). The word "epithetical" refers to something that is pertaining to or characterized by an epithet, which is an adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality or attribute.

Memory Tip

Think of an 'addition' or 'attribute' ('epitheton') that describes something, and remember that 'epithetical' means relating to such descriptive terms.

Visually Confused Words