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Compound epithet

Device
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A multi-word descriptive phrase functioning as a single adjective

Detailed Definition
A compound epithet is a descriptive phrase formed by joining two or more words to modify a noun, often hyphenated (e.g., “wine-dark sea”); common in Homeric and Anglo-Saxon verse, it enriches imagery and metrical flexibility through compact, evocative naming.
Example
Example in poetry:
Compound epithet: Homer’s “wine-dark sea”; Anglo-Saxon “whale-road” for ocean; Original: “ghost-light hours” (compound for pre-dawn); Modern: “screen-glow face” (digital age epithet)
Additional Notes
Adjective phrase combining multiple words to modify noun. Example: "wine-dark sea." Common in epic poetry. Related to: kenning, Homeric epithet. Creates memorable descriptive phrases.
Also Known As
hyphenated epithet linked descriptor
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