epiphany
epiphany — noun
1. a short, powerful experience where the truth about something important becomes c
a short, powerful experience where the truth about something important becomes clear to you all at once
Arjun had an epiphany about the cause of the data errors while taking a shower.
have an epiphany about [topic]
The novel's main character experiences a sudden epiphany that changes the course of her life.
experience an epiphany + that-clause
For many artists, creative epiphanies arrive at unexpected moments, not during planned work.
It was only years later that Caleb understood that moment as a true epiphany.
The scientist described her epiphany as a flash of understanding that solved a long puzzle.
- revelation
stronger religious or spiritual connotation; an epiphany is a type of revelation, but revelation can also come from a divine source
- insight
broader in scope — can be deep or shallow, sudden or gradual; epiphany is always sudden
- realization
more neutral and everyday; an epiphany is a particularly powerful realization
文法句型
have an epiphany about [something]
experience an epiphany + that-clause
understand/see [something] as an epiphany
用法筆記
This is the most common modern meaning. In this sense, an epiphany is not the same as a gradual learning process — it describes a sudden, often dramatic moment of clarity.
常見錯誤
2. a short but powerful experience in which a person feels they have come into dire
a short but powerful experience in which a person feels they have come into direct contact with something sacred or spiritual
During her retreat, Élise had an epiphany that filled her with a deep sense of peace.
have an epiphany during [spiritual practice]
The monk described his epiphany as being surrounded by a warm, golden light.
Some religious traditions describe epiphanies as moments when the divine touches ordinary life.
After his epiphany, Dario began to see all living things as deeply connected.
- mystical experience
broader term; an epiphany is one type of mystical experience
- divine encounter
stresses the meeting between human and deity; epiphany can be less direct
文法句型
have an epiphany
describe an epiphany
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (SUDDEN INSIGHT): this sense involves a direct spiritual or sacred encounter, not merely a new understanding of an ordinary topic. The experience is typically described with religious or mystical language.
3. a Christian festival on January 6 that honors the arrival of the wise men who vi
a Christian festival on January 6 that honors the arrival of the wise men who visited the baby Jesus and marks the first time God presented Jesus to people of all nations
In many countries, children receive gifts on Epiphany rather than at Christmas.
on Epiphany
The church held a special evening service to celebrate Epiphany this year.
celebrate Epiphany
In Spain, the night before Epiphany is marked by large parades in every city.
Epiphany is also called Three Kings' Day in many parts of the world.
文法句型
on Epiphany
celebrate Epiphany
Epiphany + noun (e.g. Epiphany service)
用法筆記
Always capitalized in this sense. In Western Christianity it falls on January 6; in Eastern Orthodox churches, Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus rather than the visit of the Magi, and the date may differ.
4. the appearance of a god or goddess to a human, especially as described in ancien
the appearance of a god or goddess to a human, especially as described in ancient myths, religious texts, or works of art
In Greek myth, the epiphany of Athena to Odysseus changes the course of his journey.
epiphany of [deity] to [person]
Ancient temples were built where an epiphany of a god was believed to have occurred.
A Renaissance painting shows the epiphany of an angel visiting a young woman with a message.
Worshippers hoped to witness an epiphany of their god during the sacred ceremony.
- theophany
more precise term for a god appearing to a human; epiphany is broader and can refer to other divine manifestations
- manifestation
more general; epiphany specifically implies a visible or perceptible appearance
文法句型
an epiphany of [deity]
witness an epiphany
用法筆記
This is the oldest historical meaning, from the Greek epiphainein ('to appear'). In modern use it is mostly confined to discussions of ancient religion, classical mythology, and art history.