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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 notes

In 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

Word forms

epilogued past tense, epilogues plural, epilogues singular

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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").

Origin: Greek

endspeech

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for epilogue

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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").

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial