Epistle

Noun

Definition: A letter, especially a formal or didactic one.

Synonyms: Letter, Missive, Correspondence

Antonyms:

Examples:

I received an epistle from my long-lost friend.
The apostle Paul wrote several epistles to the early Christian communities.

Mnemonics:

Think of "E" in Epistle as representing "Letter."
The word "epistle" contains the word "pistle", which sounds similar to "postal", reminding you that it refers to a written communication.

Etymology:

Origin:

Old English "epistol", from Latin "epistola", from Greek "epistolē" meaning "letter, message".

Historical Usage:

The term "epistle" has a long history in literature and has been used to describe various types of letters, particularly those of a formal or instructional nature.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Epistle to the Romans"

Explanation:

Refers to a letter written by the apostle Paul to the Romans, which is included in the New Testament of the Bible.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "epistle" with "apostle".

Explanation:

While the word "epistle" is often associated with the biblical apostles due to their writing of letters (epistles), the two words have distinct meanings. "Epistle" refers specifically to a letter, while "apostle" refers to a person who is sent forth as a messenger or ambassador, often associated with the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ.