epiphany

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "epiphany" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a moment of sudden revelation or insight. For example, "The epiphany she had after seeing her reflection in the mirror changed her outlook on life forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had the truth epiphany reading an interview the hugely talented writer Chloe Hooper did with Julia Gillard just before she lost the Labor leadership in 2013.

The Guardian

Educating Yorkshire showed viewers that yes it's hard, yes it's graft but it's absolutely worth it because of those moments when a student has an epiphany or a breakthrough, wakes up to problem and sorts it out.

The Guardian

And he doesn't suggest that the episode was some kind of dramatic epiphany.

The Guardian - Music

Peterson, the activist who has lost multiple relatives, had an epiphany when she visited bereaved families in Kazakhstan, where the Soviet Union did its own testing.

The Guardian - Film

The real epiphany came in 2008 when, coincidentally, I found myself retracing the Love Boat route from Los Angeles to Acapulco via the tourist haunts of Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.

The Guardian - Travel

Hepworth, it seems, sought some comparable epiphany in this work, an escape from the realities of 1947.

The Guardian - Arts

Still resident on the Lower East Side 33 years after her fridge-door epiphany, Pfahler is contemptuous of nostalgia.

The Guardian - Music

He had his epiphany in 1996, while working at Oracle, the world's second-largest software firm.

The Economist

Gisela's epiphany E commerce Bah, humbug!

The Economist

Mr Hun Sen has had an epiphany too: he and Mr Sam Rainsy "must stay together because, at the very least, we have the same Cambodian blood".How long the amity will last is unclear, but for now it is a marked change.

The Economist

But it was only once he had actually set foot on an atoll that he was struck by his epiphany: coral islands had been grown by "insects" (as polyps were then known), not built by God.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "epiphany" to describe a life-changing realization or moment of profound understanding. It adds depth and significance to the experience you're conveying.

Common error

Avoid using "epiphany" for minor realizations or everyday discoveries. Reserve it for moments that fundamentally shift understanding or perspective.

Linguistic Context

The noun "epiphany" functions as a descriptor for a sudden, profound realization or moment of insight. It encapsulates a transformative experience that significantly alters one's understanding of a concept, situation, or one's self. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "epiphany" signifies a moment of profound realization or sudden insight. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While it maintains a neutral formality, its significance lies in conveying transformative understanding. To enhance your writing, reserve "epiphany" for impactful realizations, avoiding its use for minor discoveries. Consider alternatives like "aha moment" or "sudden realization" for nuanced expression. Ultimately, "epiphany" enriches writing by adding depth and conveying the transformative power of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Aha moment

Emphasizes the suddenness and clarity of the realization.

Sudden realization

Highlights the abrupt nature of understanding something.

Moment of insight

Focuses on the intellectual understanding gained.

Flash of understanding

Implies a quick and illuminating comprehension.

Revelation

Suggests a more profound or spiritual unveiling.

Breakthrough

Highlights overcoming an obstacle in understanding.

Illumination

Emphasizes the clarifying aspect of the experience.

Divine manifestation

Connects to the original religious meaning of a divine appearance.

Striking realization

Focuses on the significant and impactful aspect of the realization.

Enlightenment

Indicates a deeper level of spiritual or intellectual understanding.

FAQs

How to use "epiphany" in a sentence?

You can use "epiphany" to describe a sudden, profound realization. For example, "She had an epiphany about the true meaning of life after her near-death experience".

What can I say instead of "epiphany"?

You can use alternatives like "aha moment", "sudden realization", or "moment of insight" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "epiphany" a formal or informal word?

"Epiphany" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts when describing a significant realization. However, in very casual settings, simpler terms like "realization" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "epiphany" and "revelation"?

"Epiphany" often refers to a sudden understanding or insight, while "revelation" suggests something previously hidden being disclosed, often with a more spiritual or dramatic connotation.