Epitaphic

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A descriptor for inscriptions found on memorial stones that honor the deceased
2. this term pertains to written expressions that pay tribute to those who have died
3. Pertaining to texts engraved on tombstones to remember people who have passed away

Etymology: "Epitaphic" is a plain formation: the adjective "epitaphic" is built from "epitaph" plus the suffix "-ic," which turns a noun into an adjective meaning "relating to" or "having the character of" the noun. So an epitaphic inscription is one that has the character of an epitaph. The base word itself has a more interesting trail. "Epitaph" comes from Greek "epitaphion," formed from "epi," meaning "upon," and "taphos," meaning "tomb" or "burial," so the literal sense is something placed upon a grave. Over time the word came to cover the written text itself, usually praising or commemorating the person beneath. Because "epitaphic" simply adds the adjective ending to that noun, its meaning follows directly from the older sense: it describes writing that belongs on a tomb or memorial stone and honors the dead.