epigone

See also épigone

English

Etymology

From French épigones, from Latin epigonī, from Ancient Greek ἐπίγονοι (epigonoi), plural form of ἐπίγονος (epigonos, “born after”), from ἐπιγίγνομαι (epigignomai, “I come after”), from ἐπί (epi, “upon”), from γίγνομαι (gignomai, “I become”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈɛpɨɡəʊn/
• (US) IPA: /ˈɛpɨɡoʊn/, /ˈɛpɨɡɒn/

Noun

epigone (plural epigones)

1. A follower or disciple.
2. An undistinguished or inferior imitator of a well known artist or their style.
   • 1992, Stephen Jay Gould Bully for Brontosaurus

     While Shaler remained subordinate, he followed Agassiz’s intellectual lead, often with the epigone’s habit of exaggerating his master’s voice.

   • 2000, China Miéville Perdido Street Station

     In another twist to the myth, his Head of Department, the ageless and loathsome Vermishank, was not a plodding epigone but an exceptional bio-thaumaturge.

Related terms

• epigonic
• epigonism

Translations

follower, disciple

Dutch: epigoon (nl) m.

German: Epigone (de) m.

imitator of artist or style

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Italian

Pronunciation

• IPA: /eˈpiːɡɔne/

Noun

epigone f.

1. Plural form of epigona.

Anagrams

• piogene