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Sep 9, 2025
This week’s themeWords relating to religion This week’s words epiphany ![]() ![]()
Adoration of the Magi, 1568
Art: El Greco (Doménikos Theotokópoulos)
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with Anu Gargepiphany
PRONUNCIATION:
MEANING:
noun: A sudden insight, understanding, or realization.
ETYMOLOGY:
From Greek epi- (upon) + -phany (showing). Earliest documented use: 1350.
NOTES:
The original epiphany was the manifestation of Christ to the Magi
(celebrated on Jan 6 in Christian tradition). Since then the word has
broadened to mean any sudden insight or revelation. Think of it as
that “Aha!” lightbulb moment.
USAGE:
“The Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti had an epiphany after an
automobile accident in 1908, which led him to Futurism and then to
fascism.” Timothy Snyder; American Fascist (Permalink); The New Yorker; Nov 18, 2024. “They started writing a chorus, and [Grace] VanderWaal had an epiphany: ‘Maybe we cut out all the instruments, cut the lyrics, and just do one word: You.’ They recorded that, and VanderWaal added harmonies. Maury laid down some ethereal guitar, and Sim added a distorted whistle sound. ‘So sick!’ VanderWaal said.” Andrew Marantz; Camp Songs; The New Yorker; Aug 21, 2023. See more usage examples of epiphany in Vocabulary.com’s dictionary. A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness, and truth.
-Leo Tolstoy, novelist and philosopher (9 Sep 1828-1910)
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