epithesis

/ˌɛpɪˈθiːsɪs/

//ˌɛpɪˈθiːsɪs// noun

By · According to Wiktionary data (CC BY-SA) ·

"epithesis" is a 9-letter English headword indexed on PlainSpell.

The verdict

“epithesis” is outside the top-ranked English vocabulary, used as a noun - the kind of word writers most often double-check.

Unranked
below top-frequency English
9
letters

According to Wiktionary data (CC BY-SA, analyzed May 6, 2026) - The addition of a letter or sound at the end of a word, without changing its meaning.

Key facts for epithesis
PropertyValue
Headwordepithesis
LanguageEnglish
Part of speechNoun
IPA/ˌɛpɪˈθiːsɪs/
Letters9
Misspellings tracked0
Confusable pairs0
SourceWiktionary (kaikki.org)

Where “epithesis” sits in English frequency

epithesis falls outside the top-100,000 ranked English words, the long-tail zone of technical, archaic, or low-frequency vocabulary, exactly where readers second-guess spellings most.

Beyond rank #100,000. Source: FrequencyWords open word-frequency list.

Spelling & Dictionary Insight

The English entry for epithesis is 9 letters long, classified as a noun, and transcribed in the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ˌɛpɪˈθiːsɪs/. It sits outside the most-frequent rank tiers, which is often why uncommon words generate more spelling variants per reader. Wiktionary records 3 distinct senses for this headword, so context determines which meaning a reader should apply.

No misspelling variants are generated for epithesis in our index, which points to an orthography that plays by predictable English rules. Our dataset records no confusable match here, since no other headword is close enough in sound or shape to pair with it.

Etymologically, the entry records: From Ancient Greek ἐπίθεσις (epíthesis). The correct English form is epithesis, spelled E-P-I-T-H-E-S-I-S.

Definition

  1. 1
    The addition of a letter or sound at the end of a word, without changing its meaning.
  2. 2
    The surgical correction of deformity or of crooked limbs.
  3. 3
    A splint or other appliance to be worn.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἐπίθεσις (epíthesis).

Definitions, pronunciation, and etymology for this entry are drawn from Wiktionary via the kaikki.org structured extract (CC BY-SA). See the methodology for how each field is sourced and updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you spell "epithesis"?
"epithesis" is spelled E-P-I-T-H-E-S-I-S. The IPA pronunciation is /ˌɛpɪˈθiːsɪs/.
What does "epithesis" mean?
As a noun, "epithesis" means: The addition of a letter or sound at the end of a word, without changing its meaning.
How do you pronounce "epithesis"?
The IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription for "epithesis" is /ˌɛpɪˈθiːsɪs/. Click the speaker icon on the pronunciation badge above to hear it spoken aloud where audio is available.
What is the origin of the word "epithesis"?
From Ancient Greek ἐπίθεσις (epíthesis). See the full etymology section above for more details.
Is PlainSpell free to use?
Yes, PlainSpell is a completely free word reference. You can look up definitions, pronunciations, confusable pairs, homophones, and spelling corrections across 5 languages without any sign-up or subscription.

Using “epithesis”

The practical upshot for anyone who landed here from a spell-check.

  • The one correct English spelling is E-P-I-T-H-E-S-I-S - every other letter order is a misspelling in standard orthography.
  • Say it as /ˌɛpɪˈθiːsɪs/ (IPA); tap the speaker on the pronunciation badge to hear it where audio exists.
  • Browse more English words and confusable pairs in the same reference. English words
Data Source

Wiktionary (via kaikki.org), licensed under CC BY-SA & GFDL. Word ordering uses an open word-frequency list; misspelling variants are generated by edit-distance from the correct headword.

Source: Wiktionary (via kaikki.org) Structured Wiktionary extract

Source: FrequencyWords open word-frequency list FrequencyWords open word-frequency list