epigraph

• 名词，指写在书籍、章节或文章开头的短引语或格言；也指刻在建筑物、纪念碑或硬币上的铭文。

A noun referring to a short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book, chapter, or other piece of writing, or an inscription engraved on a building, monument, or coin.

1. Quotation at the startC1formal

   A short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book, chapter, or other piece of writing, intended to suggest its theme.

   题词

   • The novel began with an epigraph from Shakespeare.
   • She chose a famous poem as the epigraph for her essay.
   • The epigraph set the tone for the entire chapter.

   同义词motto

2. Engraved inscriptionC1formal

   An inscription, especially on a building, statue, or coin.

   铭文

   • The epigraph on the monument was barely legible.
   • Ancient coins often bear an epigraph identifying the ruler.
   • The museum displayed a stone slab with a Latin epigraph.

   同义词engravinginscriptionlegend