Monday, February 28, 2011

#424 epitaph

epitaph- a commemorative inscription on a tombstone or monument; a speech or written passage composed in commemoration of a dead person; a final judgement on a person or thing

C14 via Latin from Greek epitaphios over a tomb

An epitaph is the inscription found on a tombstone that summarizes and memorializes the deceased.

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Sunday, February 27, 2011

#423 epistemology

epistemology- the theory of knowledge, especially the critical study of its validity, methods and scope

C19 from Greek episteme knowledge

The early Tanzanians embedded in epistemology a fundamental metaphysical component whose ultimate function was to provide a framework and strategies for creating well-being in society.

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Saturday, February 26, 2011

#422 epiphany

epiphany- the manifestation of a supernatural or divine reality; any moment of great or sudden revelation

C17 from Latin from Greek epiphaneia an appearing

His epiphany or giant realization came in a dream.

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Friday, February 25, 2011

#421 epigraph

epigraph- a quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter suggesting its theme; an inscription on a monument or building

C17 from Greek epigraphe

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Thursday, February 24, 2011

#420 epigram

epigram- a witty, often paradoxical remark, concisely expressed; a short, pungent, and often satirical poem,

from Latin epigramma, from graphein to write

I'm not young enough to know everything is an epigram written by Oscar Wilde.

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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

#419 ephemeral

ephemeral- lasting for only a short time; transitory; short-lived

C16 from Greek ephemeros lasting only a day, from hemera day

The sunset over the sparkling bay provided ephemeral beauty.

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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

#418 entice

entice- to attract or draw towards oneself by exciting hope or desire; tempt; allure

C13 from Old French enticier, from Latin intitiare to incite, from Latin titio firebrand

The government initiative may entice more students into the social justice field.

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