Epitaph
/ˈɛpɪtæf/noun
A phrase or statement written in memory of a person who has died, often inscribed on a tombstone.
Did you know?In ancient Greece, epitaphs were often poetic inscriptions that not only honored the deceased but also functioned as a means of immortality, preserving their memory forever.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἐπιτάφιος (epitaphios)
“Upon the tomb, referring to inscriptions made for the dead.”
Latin
Latin
epitaphium
“A memorial inscription, especially one on a tomb.”
Old French
Old French
epitaphe
“A written tribute or inscription honoring a deceased person.”
Middle English
Middle English
epitaphe
“A term used for inscriptions on graves or monuments.”
Modern English
English
epitaph
“An inscription on a tombstone, often reflective of the person's life or character.”