Definition

1. Noun:
   • A descriptive word or phrase: An "epithet" is a word or phrase that expresses a quality or characteristic of the person or thing it is attached to, often used as a term of praise or description.
   • A defamatory or abusive word or phrase: An "epithet" can also be a disparaging or insulting term used to describe someone.

Examples of Usage

• Descriptive word or phrase:
  • The historical king is often remembered by the epithet "the Great."
  • "Richard the Lionheart" is a famous epithet for the English king.
• Defamatory or abusive word or phrase:
  • He shouted racial epithets at the crowd.
  • The debate was marred by the use of harsh epithets.

Advanced Usage

• Homeric epithet: In classical epic poetry, a standard, repeated descriptive phrase for a person or thing (e.g., "swift-footed Achilles," "rosy-fingered Dawn").
  • The poet used the Homeric epithet "wine-dark sea."
• To hurl/fling an epithet: To direct an insulting term at someone.
  • The politician was accused of hurling epithets at his opponent.

Variants and Related Words

• Epithetic (adj): Of the nature of an epithet; characterized by the use of epithets.
  • The epithetic style of the ancient epic.
• Epithetical (adj): Another form of "epithetic."

Synonyms

• Sobriquet: A nickname, especially one describing a characteristic.
• Appellation: A name, title, or designation.
• Slur: An insulting or disparaging remark (specifically for the abusive sense).

Related Phrases

• To bestow an epithet: To give someone a descriptive name.
  • The press bestowed the epithet "Iron Lady" upon her.

Related Idioms

• A term of abuse/epithet: Used to specify the insulting nature of the word.
  • His comment was not criticism; it was simply a term of abuse.

Noun

1. descriptive word or phrase
2. a defamatory or abusive word or phrase