rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: epi-
Greek

epi-

on, upon; over

Forms

  • epi-
  • ep- — Used before a vowel without an initial h sound in Greek.
  • eph- — Used before a vowel that began with an h sound in Greek.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *epi, ‘on; near.’

Note

Position on top can suggest addition, attachment, or an action directed at something.

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noun

epiphany

ih-PIF-uh-nee/ɪˈpɪfəni/

A sudden insight or realization.

The man's epiphany leads him to sketch a ramp around the obstructing steps.

A text-free two-panel sequence shows a sudden, consequential accessibility insight.
Etymology
epiGreekon, upon; over
+phanyGreekshow or bring to light

The combined pieces conveyed showing or coming suddenly into view. This image of a manifestation or revelation underlies the sense of a sudden insight, when something becomes clear.

In context

MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics52:27
this is not about getting patients to come to an epiphany this is about a process in a series of discussions
Atul Gawande "Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End"

More examples

  • During her vacation, Maya had an epiphany about changing careers.
  • His epiphany comes when he realizes he has been blaming the wrong person.
  • Small epiphanies sometimes emerge from ordinary conversations.

Forms

epiphany · epiphanies

Similar words

realization
A realization can develop gradually rather than arriving all at once.
insight
Insight emphasizes deep understanding, not necessarily a sudden discovery.
revelation
A revelation can involve disclosed information rather than personal understanding.