# epithet

/ˈɛpəˌθɛt/ (US) · /ˈɛpɪθɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/epithet
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. descriptive title

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a word or phrase used to describe a person's main quality, often added to their name.

For teachers: an adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned. Often used as a formal title.

- King Richard the First was known by the epithet 'the Lionheart' because of his courage.
- Historical figures are frequently identified by a traditional epithet that highlights a defining virtue or a significant military conquest.

Usage: Often follows the name of a person, linked by the definite article 'the'.

### 3. literary formula

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

a repeated phrase in old poems used to describe a character or object.

For teachers: a formulaic word or phrase used in epic poetry to characterize a person, group, or thing.

- In the Odyssey, Homer often uses the epithet 'wine-dark' to describe the sea.
- The use of fixed epithets in oral tradition served as a mnemonic device for the poet while maintaining the dactylic hexameter of the epic.

### 4. scientific name

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the second part of a scientific name for a plant or animal.

For teachers: the specific name or term in a taxonomic designation that follows the genus name.

- In the name 'Quercus alba', the word 'alba' is the specific epithet.
- The botanical epithet usually describes a physical trait, such as color or leaf shape, or refers to the geographical origin of the species.

### 5. to label

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

to give someone or something a descriptive name or title.

For teachers: to characterize or refer to by a specific term or descriptive phrase.

- Critics epitheted the new building as a 'monstrosity' shortly after it opened.
- The biographer epitheted the subject as a visionary, though contemporary accounts were far less generous in their assessment.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

## Examples

- The hero was known by the epithet 'the Brave'.
- In many ancient texts, the gods are referred to by specific epithets that emphasize their unique powers or temperaments.
- The poet uses the epithet 'the silver-tongued' to describe the speaker, suggesting both his eloquence and his potential for manipulation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.