Witty sayings and short poems are known as epigrams. Check out our top epigram examples that stood the test of time.
When youโre searching for epigram examples, youโll notice that many great minds throughout history provided witty statements that have entertained generations. The definition of epigram is simple: itโs a witty statement or short poem that conveys a clever or satirical statement to the reader. No specific poetic form is requiredโan epigram is simply a literary device that conveys a quick, thoughtful message, often employing paradox or wordplay. Itโs key to note that an epigram is different than an aphorism (a short statement that conveys a universal truth, such as โhonesty is the best policyโ).
Whether you already have a favorite epigrammatist (like Benjamin Franklin) or youโre new to the idea of using an epigrammatic style, youโll find that reading a good example of an epigram isnโt just educationalโitโs fun!
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1. โThere is only one thing worse in the world than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.โ โ Oscar Wilde
One of the most well-known epigrammatists of all time, Oscar Wilde is known for his snarky, intelligent one-liners. In this famous epigram example, Wilde describes how difficult it is to be the subject of gossipโbut how itโs even harder to live a life that goes unnoticed by the world. Weโd guess that the aphorism โthereโs no such thing as bad publicityโ would have been right up Wildeโs alley.
2. โTo see a world in a grain of sand, And a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, And eternity in an hourโ โ William Blake
English poet William Blake wasnโt well-known during his lifetime, but today, his epigrams, art, and poetry are widely recognized as defining parts of the Romantic Age. His thoughts on nature and the infinite wonder of the universe have captured the minds of students, philosophers, and critical thinkers for centuries.
3. โI was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury.โ โ Groucho Marx
Comedian, actor, and writer Groucho Marx wasnโt just known for his command of the silver screen, small screen, and the stage. Heโs also beloved for his zingy one-liners that made people laughโand think. Marxโs razor-sharp wit kept audiences on their toes from setting up a picnic lunch during a serious tennis match with Charlie Chaplin to wowing vaudeville crowds.
4. โI am unable, yonder beggar cries, To stand, or move; if he say true, he lies.โ โ John Donne
Now considered the first metaphysical poet, John Donne was born in 1572. Heโs best known for his paradoxical work, delving into common questions of the human condition, including faith, love, and salvation. While much of Donneโs work was quite serious in nature, his epigrams provide readers with a view into his unique sense of humor.
Epigrams give you pause for thought and plenty to think about. Much like this collection of thoughtful quotes.
5. โSo all my best is dressing old words new, Spending again what is already spent: For as the sun is daily new and old, So is my love still telling what is told.โ โ William Shakespeare
The last four lines of Sonnet 76 include some of the most well-known epigrams in the English language. There is some argument amongst literary scholars about Shakespeareโs Fair Youth sequence, including Sonnet 76. Some academics believe that Shakespeare was writing these poems to a young man, while others believe they were written to a young woman.
6. โLittle strokes fell great oaks.โ โ Benjamin Franklin
Known for his wit and ingenuity, Benjamin Frankin was a one-of-a-kind wordsmith who never failed to express himself through prose. In this epigram example, Franklin speaks of persistence and commitment to a task, using small steps to accomplish a larger goal.
7. โMankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind.โ โ John F. Kennedy
JFK had a flexible defense strategy that required careful calculation of military moves, minimizing the chance of miscalculating a threat. Kennedyโs interest in international matters took root while he was a student at Harvard, long before he began his presidential run.
8. โTo err is human, to forgive, divine.โ โ Alexander Pope
Born in the late 17th century, Alexander Pope was an English satirist and poet known for speaking out against the accepted morality of the time. While Pope certainly was not the first popular writer, heโs widely regarded as the first writer to make a living from their craft, as he earned money from those who subscribed to his translations of Homer and his editions of Shakespeareโs works.
9. โBeauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone.โ โ Dorothy Parker
New York City-based poet and writer Dorothy Parker was known for her quick-witted quips, often laced with language and an attitude considered shocking in the early 21st century. A shining example of Parkerโs attitude and love for epigrams was made clear when she asked for โExcuse my dustโ for her epitaph.
10. โIt is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.โ โ Eleanor Roosevelt
Strength, grace, and wit are synonymous with Eleanor Rooseveltโs legacy. The longest-serving First Lady in American history was known for her activism as much as her command of the English language, as evidenced by her many epigrams that are still quoted today.
For more interesting quotes, check out our article on inspiring creative quotes.
FAQs About Epigram Examples
What is an antonym for Epigram
Epigrams are typically a witty saying, one that expresses an idea in an unconventional or comedic way. Some famous examples include many of Oscar Wildeโs most famous lines (such as โI can resist anything except temptationโ). Some Antonyms for Epigrams include Dysphemism, Euphemism, and Misconstruction.
What is an Epigram Poem?
Epigram poems are usually short, comedic verses that express a single idea. However, this idea is usually expressed in an unusual or roundabout way. For example, the concept that โHappiness is hard to findโ could become โHappiness is like a Butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude youโ (Extract from a work by Henry David Thoreau).
What is the difference between an Epigram and an Aphorism?
Aphorisms are typically short statements that reveal an universal truth. Epigrams also do this, but tend to have a satirical or comedic twist, which can make it hard to tell them apart from each other. For example, one of Oscar Wildeโs most famous quotes is โIn this world, there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what we want, and the other is getting itโ is an Aphorism rather than an Epigram, as it is a statement of truth rather than a joke or poetic piece.
How do you write an Epigram?
The most straightforward way to create an Epigram is to decide upon an idea you wish to express, and then convey it in an unexpected or witty fashion. Take for example this Epigram from Fernando Pessoa, who expresses the idea that beauty is impossible to define: โTo define the beautiful is to misunderstand it. This elevates the original idea with wit and insight.
What is the purpose of an Epigram?
The purpose of an Epigram is similar to that of a proverb; to communicate wisdom and insight in a short and concise piece with the addition of humour and an unexpected approach to the topic.
What separates Epigrams from Proverbs is that Eprigrams typically have a satirical or withering perspective on the world or mankind, pointing out odd or harsh truths as the punchline of the piece.
Poetry Resources
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