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to-undergo-a-profound-spiritual-epiphany

/tuː ʌnˈdɜː.ɡəʊ ə ˌprɒf.aʊnd ˈspɪr.ɪ.tʃu.əl ɪˈpɪf.ə.ni/
IELTSAcademic
phrase

to experience a deep moment of sudden understanding about life, faith, or the self. It often feels life-changing and emotionally powerful.

  • She had a profound spiritual epiphany during meditation.
  • His illness led to a deep spiritual epiphany.
  • The retreat gave her a powerful spiritual epiphany.

Adinary Nuance

This phrase is stronger than realize or understand. It suggests a sudden and deeply emotional insight, often about faith, purpose, or life itself. It is also more specific than awakening, which can be broader and less sudden. Writers choose it when they want a serious, almost transformative feeling.

In other languages

Vietnamese
sự giác ngộ tâm linh
Spanish
epifanía espiritual
Chinese
精神顿悟
Japanese
霊的な悟り
Korean
영적 깨달음

Etymology

Epiphany comes from Greek epiphaneia, meaning 'appearance' or 'revelation'. In English, it later came to mean a sudden clear understanding, especially a spiritual one.

Common phrases

have a spiritual epiphanyexperience an epiphanya life-changing epiphanya sudden epiphany

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is 'spiritual epiphany' the same as 'realization'?
Not exactly. A spiritual epiphany is deeper, more sudden, and often emotional or faith-related.
Is this phrase formal or informal?
It is fairly formal and often used in writing, speech about religion, or reflective essays.
Can I use it in IELTS Writing?
Yes, if you are describing a strong personal change or insight clearly and naturally.