What does epilogize mean?
Epilogize is a rare English verb meaning to write or deliver an epilogue—that is, to conclude a play, book, speech, or other work with a set of closing remarks that round off the action or argument. It can also be used more broadly to mean bringing any discussion or performance to a close with a summarizing statement. Formed from the noun epilogue plus the verb-forming suffix -ize, it belongs to a small family of learned coinages built on Greek roots. In practice the word is uncommon and carries a distinctly literary, formal flavor: critics might note that Shakespeare 'epilogizes' through Prospero, or that an essayist epilogizes by restating her central claims at the end of an argument. Most everyday writers prefer simpler alternatives such as conclude, close, or sum up, which makes knowing epilogize useful chiefly for readers of dramatic criticism and formal prose rather than for ordinary conversation.
verbTo write or deliver an epilogue; to conclude a speech, play, or written work with an epilogue or concluding remarks.
- To write or supply an epilogue for a work.
- To speak concluding remarks; to bring something to a close with a summary.
"The playwright chose to epilogize directly, stepping onstage to address the audience one last time."
"Shakespeare did not merely end the play—he epilogized, sending Prospero out to beg for applause."
"After three hours of testimony, the lawyer rose to epilogize before the weary jury."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epilogize
Epilogize derives from the noun epilogue, itself from Greek epilogos ('conclusion'), formed from epi- ('upon, in addition') and logos ('word, speech'). The verb was coined in English by adding the suffix -ize, following the pattern of learned Greco-Latin verbs such as eulogize and apologize. It has been in occasional literary use since at least the seventeenth century, though it has never been common.
Related word forms
How epilogize is actually used
Rare and somewhat formal or literary in register; most writers simply say 'write an epilogue' or 'conclude'. It appears mainly in criticism and scholarly prose about drama.
Easily confused with epilogize
Apologize means to express regret or admit fault, while epilogize means to add or deliver an epilogue or concluding remarks.