noun
epilogue
EHP-ih-log
Epilogue (noun) means a short closing section added after the main story of a book, play, or film, often showing what happened afterward. Example: “The epilogue jumps ahead ten years to show what became of the two brothers.”
noun
1
A short closing section added after the main story of a book, play, or film, often showing what happened afterward.
"The epilogue jumps ahead ten years to show what became of the two brothers."
"In the play's epilogue, an actor steps forward to address the audience directly."
How to use epilogue
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe wrap-up bit tacked on at the very end of a story, after the main plot has finished.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "prologue," which opens a story rather than closing it.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a brief epilogue
the epilogue reveals
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Word forms
- Plural
- epilogues
- Third person singular
- epilogues
- Past tense
- epilogued
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ jumps ahead ten years to show what became of the two brothers.
Etymology
From Greek epílogos, "a conclusion" — from epi- ("in addition") + légein ("to speak").
Synonyms
View more →
epilog
endspeech
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for epilogue
See all rhymes for epilogue →Frequently asked questions
What does “epilogue” mean?
The word “epilogue” means a short closing section added after the main story of a book, play, or film, often showing what happened afterward. In plain terms, the wrap-up bit tacked on at the very end of a story, after the main plot has finished.
How do you pronounce “epilogue”?
“Epilogue” is pronounced EHP-ih-log (/ˈɛpɪlɔɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “epilogue” in a sentence?
Here is “epilogue” used in a sentence: “The epilogue jumps ahead ten years to show what became of the two brothers.”
What is another word for “epilogue”?
Words with a similar meaning to “epilogue” include endspeech.
What is the opposite of “epilogue”?
The opposite of “epilogue” — its antonyms — is prologue.
What part of speech is “epilogue”?
“Epilogue” is a noun.
Where does the word “epilogue” come from?
The word “epilogue” comes from Greek. From Greek epílogos, "a conclusion" — from epi- ("in addition") + légein ("to speak").
