An inferior imitator or follower, especially someone who copies a great artist, philosopher, or leader without original creativity.
From Greek epigonos (born after), from epi- (after) + gignesthai (to be born). Originally Greek term for generals who came after Alexander the Great.
The epigones of Alexander the Great literally took over his empire but couldn't maintain his genius—this is why the word means 'second-rate copy' rather than just 'successor'!
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