Pronunciation: e-pith'-e-ton
Alternate Spelling: appositum, sequens
Latin Synonyms: epithet, qualifier, figure of attribution
Attributing to a person or thing a quality or descriptionsometimes by the simple addition of a descriptive adjective; sometimes through a descriptive or metaphorical apposition.
Note: If the description is given in place of the name, instead of in addition to it, it becomes antonomasia or periphrasis.
The following example is epitheton using a simple adjective added to a noun. As Quintilian suggests, the epithet is made stronger when metaphorical, as this is: "unfettered joy" Epitheton is sometimes used in the conventional names or descriptive slogans found in oral-formulaic poetry: rosy-fingered dawn; swift-footed Achilles A series of following appositions constitute this use of epitheton: Anchises, worthy deigned Of Venus' glorious bed, beloved of heaven, Twice rescued from the wreck of Pergamum