Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal letter, especially one that is long and instructive: An epistle is a written communication, typically composed with care and intended for a specific audience, often dealing with serious subjects, advice, or instruction.
   • A book of the New Testament in the form of a letter: In a biblical context, an epistle refers to one of the letters written by an Apostle (e.g., Paul, Peter, John) to early Christian communities or individuals, which are included as books in the New Testament.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The scholar published an epistle on moral philosophy addressed to the students.
  • Paul's Epistle to the Romans is a foundational text of Christian theology.

Advanced Usage

• "In the style of an epistle": Written in the formal, instructive manner characteristic of a traditional letter.
  • The author's latest work is a novel in the style of an epistle, composed as a long letter from a father to his son.

Variants and Related Words

• Epistolary (adj): Relating to the writing of letters or literary works composed as a series of letters.
  • The novel has an epistolary format, told entirely through the characters' correspondence.

Synonyms

• Letter: A written message addressed to a person or organization.
• Missive: A formal or official letter.
• Dispatch: An official report or message sent with speed.

Related Phrases

• Epistolary novel: A novel written as a series of documents, usually letters.
  • "Dracula" by Bram Stoker is a famous example of an epistolary novel.

Noun

1. a book of the New Testament written in the form of a letter from an Apostle
2. a specially long, formal letter