What does epilog mean?
An epilog is a concluding section appended to the end of a literary work, play, film, or other composition, serving to round off the narrative or comment on what has taken place. In fiction it often reveals the later fortunes of characters, resolves lingering questions, or offers the author's final reflection, while in drama and public speaking it may take the form of a short address delivered directly to the audience once the main action has ended. By extension, the word can describe the closing phase of any event or undertaking. It derives from Greek roots meaning 'a concluding word', making it the natural counterpart to a prologue. Writers use the epilog to leave readers with closure or a deliberate final impression. Although 'epilogue' remains the dominant spelling in most English-speaking countries, 'epilog' is an accepted variant, particularly in some American contexts.
A concluding section at the end of a play, novel, film, or similar work, typically commenting on the story or describing events after the main narrative ends.
"The novel's epilog follows the family into the next century."
Variant spelling of 'epilogue', which is the more standard form in both British and American English.
A short concluding speech or remark delivered after the main body of a performance, address, or ceremony.
"She brought the evening's proceedings to a close with a moving epilog."
The standard plural simply adds -s; the plural of the more common spelling 'epilogue' is 'epilogues'.
"Both volumes end with short epilogs set decades after the main story."
Every 'epilog' literally contains its own meaning in ancient Greek: epi- 'upon' plus logos 'a saying' — a final word spoken upon the end.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epilog
The word comes from Greek 'epilogos', formed from 'epi' ('upon' or 'in addition') and 'logos' ('word' or 'speech'), so that it originally meant a concluding statement. It passed into English via Latin 'epilogus', becoming established in literary usage from around the early 17th century. It shares its Greek root '-logos' with related words such as dialogue, monologue, prologue, and logic.
How epilog is actually used
'Epilog' is a legitimate but less common spelling than 'epilogue'; American publications occasionally prefer it, while British usage strongly favors 'epilogue'. The word carries a slightly formal, literary register.
Easily confused with epilog
'Epilogue' is the standard and far more common spelling of this word; 'epilog' is an accepted variant spelling, not a different word.
A prologue is an opening section that introduces a work, whereas an epilog is a closing section that concludes it.