Epiphany
/ɪˈpɪf.ə.ni/noun
A moment of sudden revelation or insight.
Did you know?The term 'epiphany' originally referred to the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, celebrated on January 6th, linking it to moments of divine insight.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἐπιφάνεια (epiphaneia)
“Appearance; manifestation, often of a divine or supernatural nature.”
Early Christian Era
Greek
ἐπιφάνεια (epiphaneia)
“Specifically referred to the manifestation of Christ; a divine revelation.”
14th Century
Latin
epiphania
“Adoption of the Greek term in Christian liturgy to denote the feast celebrating Christ's revelation.”
15th Century
Middle English
epiphanie
“Used to describe both the feast and personal moments of revelation.”
Modern English
English
epiphany
“Expanded to denote any sudden insight or realization beyond religious context.”