epistle
UK[ɪˈpɪs(ə)l]US[ɪˈpɪs(ə)l]
n
A formal or elegant letter, especially one that gives advice or instruction.
n
(In the Bible) one of the letters written by an apostle, forming part of the New Testament.
Morpheme Breakdown
epi
stle
epi
upon
stle
send
Etymology
The word 'epistle' entered English via Old French from the Latin 'epistola,' which itself was borrowed from the Greek 'epistolē.' The Greek term is a compound of 'epi-' (upon) and the root of 'stellein' (to send), creating a literal sense of "something sent to" someone. This evolved from the concrete act of dispatching a written message to signify a formal, often didactic, letter. In Christian tradition, it became the standard term for the apostolic letters of the New Testament, cementing its association with authoritative written communication.
Analysis
Structure: epi (upon) + stle (send)
'Epi' is a Greek prefix meaning "upon, at, to, over." 'Stle' is derived from the Greek root 'stell-', from the verb 'stellein' meaning "to send."
Examples
He composed a lengthy epistle to his former student, offering guidance on moral philosophy.
The reading today is taken from the Epistle to the Romans.
Her weekly epistles from abroad were eagerly awaited by the entire family.