English vocabulary · B2
Epiphany
/ɪˈpɪf.ə.ni/ · n.
It means a sudden moment when you clearly understand something for the first time.
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Example sentences
- She had an epiphany while washing dishes — she knew what to do.
- Reading that book gave him a life-changing epiphany.
Word origin and roots
from Greek
- epi — on (from Greek)
- phan — appear (from Greek)
Synonyms and nuances
- REVELATION (hidden truth suddenly becomes clear)
- INSIGHT (understanding comes from deep reflection)
- REALIZATION (becoming aware of a fact for the first time)
Words with the same root
phan — appear
- phenomenon — something that appears and can be observed
- phantom — something that appears but is not real
- fantasy — an image that appears only in your mind
Lesson notes
Epiphany. It means a sudden moment when you clearly understand something for the first time.
Similar words are revelation, insight, and realization. Use epiphany when a big truth suddenly becomes clear.
She had an epiphany while washing dishes — she knew what to do. Reading that book gave him a life-changing epiphany.
From Greek. Epi means on. Phan means appear. Something suddenly appears on your mind — that is an epiphany.