epitaph
UK: ˈep.ɪ.tɑːf | US: ˈep.ɪ.tæf
n. a phrase or statement written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone.
epitaph = epi<upon> + taph<tomb>
- epi (Greek: "upon, over")
- taph (Greek: "tomb," from taphos)
Etymology Origin:
The word "epitaph" originates from Greek epitaphios, combining epi ("upon") and taphos ("tomb"). It originally referred to a funeral oration delivered over a grave, later narrowing to mean the inscribed memorial itself. The morphemes reflect the literal idea of words placed upon a tomb.
The poet composed a moving epitaph for his late father.
Visitors paused to read the epitaph on the weathered gravestone.
Her epitaph simply read, "Beloved mother and friend."
Ancient epitaphs often reveal details about historical figures.
He joked about wanting a humorous epitaph on his own tombstone.