What is epithet in literature? Examples.

The main task of oral and written speech is communication between people, the ability to transfer their thoughts, judgments, evaluations and emotions to each other.

In this case, the emotional side is not less, and sometimes more important than the actual component. To express their feelings and impressions, humanity has invented many ways, one of which is to use various epithets in speech. What it is? Let's figure it out.

Word "epithet" has ancient Greek origin and means "applied". In essence, this is an addition to the main word or a concept designed to make it more expressive and bright.

The most often the epithets are adjectives, but other parts of speech can act in this role - adverb, numerical and even nouns. The epithet, as a rule, is facing the main word, but it is not necessary. This may be not one word, but an integer expression that gives a sustainable concept a new mean or emotional shade.

In the literary work, epithets are used extremely wide. The most saturated poetic works, however, in prose and even in everyday speech, this powerful speech tool is also actively used.


Like any other visual funds, epithets have developed and improved, which can be seen by analyzing the literary works of the past and modernity.

In folk creativity and in the earliest literary creations, epithets, as a rule, describe the properties of objects and phenomena, highlighting their key features, but practically not touching the emotional, personal component: krasno Girl, Chervonny Gold, Indecent Wealth .

With the development of literature, the role and structure of epithets became more complicated by purchasing new properties and functional filling. This most brightly expressed in the work of the poets of the Silver Century and the subsequent period: the stupid plate was pulled out, the limit is the limit, lazily-passionate rosehip etc.

Modern literature, especially postmodern work, more complicated both the structure and semantic filling of epithets, allowing sometimes very unusual expressive techniques: color Diathesis, Diaper Golden .

Epitts - an important element of speech, imparting expressiveness, bulge and emotionality. With their help, the narrator gets the opportunity to express his attitude to the described items or present them to listeners / readers in a new, unusual light.


Often, the atmosphere of the historic era, social group or ethnic flavor is recreated with epithets. This is a powerful tool for transferring the words of visual images, their emotional and artistic filling.

Both epithetes and metaphors are widely used by poets and prose to create bright artistic works. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish, and where is the epithet. However, if approaching the question thoughtfully, the difference becomes obvious.

The epithet is a figurative definition, which describes the steady sign of the item depicted, creature or concept: fragrant apple, instant reaction, silently testify . It is most often expressed in one word that complements the basic word and describing its inalienable property. Epithet cannot exist in itself and is always a supplement.

At the same time, the metaphor is almost always a speech construct from several words that carry an independent semantic function - transfer properties or the image of one item or concept to another.

The metaphor causes an associative connection between, it would seem completely different concepts, actions or things. This association only works for this particular case: suspension of rosy pearls on the grass, in the heart reigned winter air etc.

It is easy to notice that the epithet may be part of the metaphor. The metaphor will never be part of the epithet.

Descriptive epithets: lead cloud, fragrant flower, fun bouncing, gentle waves .

Permanent epithets, or folk-poetic: kind well done, clean field, clear falcon, sharp sword .


Metaphoric epithets: winter Silver, Sad Friendship, Mourning Cimea, Piercing View .

Metonimical epithets: scratching whisper, birch cheerful tongue .

Any classification is sufficiently conditional, since the same epithet can be successfully included in several different classification groups.