aphoristic

[af-uh-ris-tik]

adjective

1. of, like, or containing aphorisms.

   His sermons were richly aphoristic.

2. given to making or quoting aphorisms.

Other Word Forms

• aphoristically adverb
• nonaphoristic adjective
• nonaphoristically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphoristic¹

From the Greek word aphoristikós, dating back to 1745–55. See aphorist, -ic

Example Sentences

But when he got it right, his lyrics had an aphoristic directness that made them seem more hewn than written.

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That’s nothing new: For decades, Davis has specialized in aphoristic stories that thrive on wordplay, rhythm and irony while avoiding easy sarcasm or dad jokes.

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Home being aphoristically the place when you go there they have to take you in, Sully does, but it’s an uneasy reunion.

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All became the grist for her dark satire, laced with wry, aphoristic asides on the human condition.

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The chapters are short; the tone is aphoristic; the eye for cultural and social detail is Tom Wolfe-like.

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