Epithet / Epitaph / Epigram / Epigraph

EPI- The words "epithet", "epitaph", "epigram", and "epigraph" may look similar, but the prefix "epi" is pretty much where the similarity ends. "Epi" is Greek for "above", "upon", or "on". Think "epidermis" and "epicenter".

EPITHET: An "epithet" means a nickname. As in "The Big Apple is an epithet for New York City" or "An angry driver rolled down his window and yelled '!@#$', "3!@#$", "*^$#" and sundry colorful epithets at me." So as you see, epithets can be used in a negative way. In fact, the term "epithet" often "refers to an abusive, defamatory, or derogatory phrase" (thanks, Wikipedia). Unsurprisingly, then, the phrase "racial epithet" means "racial slur", not merely "racial nickname".

Synonyms for "epithet": sobriquet, appellation, nickname

EPITAPH: An "epitaph" is this thing:

EPIGRAM: a pithy saying. E.g., "Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker!" - Ogden Nash

Similar words: axiom, aphorism, adage, maxim, proverb, witticism, bon mot, saw, quip

EPIGRAPH: An epigraph is a quotation used to introduce a piece of writing or an inscription on a building. Don't confuse an "epigraph" with a "dedication", though.

Please read this.

Now do this one:

16. (A) Along the curve of islands known as the Florida Keys (B) lies a reef of living coral, (C) the only one of (D) a kind in the continental United States. (E) No error