epistle

• Terme formel ou littéraire désignant une lettre, en particulier longue, instructive ou importante ; dans l'usage courant, il est largement remplacé par le mot « lettre ».

A formal or literary term for a letter, especially a long, instructive, or important one, now largely replaced by the word 'letter' in everyday usage.

1. Formal letterC1formal

   A formal or literary letter, often written for a specific purpose or audience.

   Lettre formelle ou épître

   • The author wrote an epistle to the editor of the newspaper.
   • She received a lengthy epistle from her lawyer.
   • The collection includes epistles from famous historical figures.

   Synonymescommunicationdispatchlettermissivenote

2. Biblical letterC1formal

   A book of the New Testament consisting of a letter written by an apostle, such as Paul.

   Épître biblique

   • The Epistle to the Romans is one of Paul's most important writings.
   • He studied the Epistles of Peter for his theology class.
   • The sermon was based on an epistle from the New Testament.

   Synonymesletter