In order to discover the meaning of the term epitome, it is necessary to proceed to know its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it is a word that derives from Greek, exactly from "epitome", which is the result of the sum of two very different components:
-The prefix "epi", which means "about".
-The noun "take", which is equivalent to "cut".
The notion allows mention of the synthesis or extract of a speech or a work . Among the synonyms of epitome we find compendium, breviary, summary, recapitulation and summary, among others.
Generally the epime summarizes the most important aspects of a text. Its purpose is to make a compendium of the relevant points so that the reader or listener can access the central issues without having to go through the entire work .
The epitomes of antiquity often allow historians to discover, at least partially, the content of works that were lost over time. In this way, despite the absence of a book, you can have an idea of its themes.
Precisely a good example of epitomes is found in the so-called epitomes of "Aegyptiaka", which was a work about Ancient Egypt written by Manetho. It was lost, but thanks to them it was possible to know, investigate and discover different aspects of the aforementioned Egyptian world.
In order to prepare a good epitome, it is necessary to follow the following recommendations:
-Leave aside redundant material and secondary information.
-Discover the central or most relevant point.
-Avoid descriptions and also copying literal phrases from the original text.
The use of epitomes also appears in the field of rhetoric . In this case, it is a resource that is used at the end of a long speech, consisting of a brief summary. The epitome, in this context, functions as a recapitulation and helps make the pronounced concepts easier to understand and remember.
Suppose a political leader gives a two-hour speech , listing the measures he would take if citizens elect him as ruler. Regarding the end, he mentions: "As an epitome, I can say that our central proposals are the reduction of taxes to encourage private investment and consumption and the cutting of superfluous state spending to reduce the fiscal deficit."
In the same way, it should not be overlooked that epitome is also used in the field of literature. Specifically, it is a figure that consists of repeating the first words of a speech that come during it or in the final part of it. That is, we choose to repeat the first expressions of the initial paragraph in order to give greater clarity, forcefulness and understanding to the message.
In a symbolic sense, finally, the idea of epitome is used with reference to something that personifies, embodies or represents something else : "This team is the epitome of the coach's philosophy," "The beautiful model is considered the epitome of glamor today .