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Synonyms

aphoristic

American  
[af-uh-ris-tik] / ˌæf əˈrɪs tɪk /

adjective

  1. of, like, or containing aphorisms.

    His sermons were richly aphoristic.

  2. given to making or quoting aphorisms.


aphoristic British  
/ ˌæfəˈrɪstɪk /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or resembling an aphorism

  2. tending to write or speak in aphorisms

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of aphoristic

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


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Similarly, the cast wrings some poetry out of the prosaic, often aphoristic dialogue.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 30, 2026

Kate Riley follows Ruth from childhood to middle age, writing with kindness, hilarity and aphoristic brilliance about this eccentric woman, a lost lamb who never actually leaves the safety of the flock.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 3, 2025

At Bridgewater Hall, Selaocoe channeled this history through aphoristic pronouncements, telling the audience: “The future is in the past.”

From New York Times ● Sep. 23, 2022

Where a recently-relapsed girl found solace and tenderness in “Rue”—an episode with the aphoristic alternate title that insists “Trouble Don’t Last Always”—our new titular teen finds very little to be hopeful about this time around.

From Slate ● Jan. 23, 2021

His aphoristic sayings are the least important part of him, but here are one or two examples:—   "Eminent posts make great men greater, and little   men less."

From Studies in Literature by John Morley

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