aphorism

[af-uh-riz-uhm]

noun

1. a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” (Lord Acton).

aphorism

/ ˈæfəˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. a short pithy saying expressing a general truth; maxim

aphorism

1. A concise and often witty statement of wisdom or opinion, such as “Children should be seen and not heard,” or “People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.”

Other Word Forms

• aphorist noun
• aphorismic adjective
• aphorismatic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphorism¹

1520–30; French aphorisme < Late Latin aphorismus < Greek aphorismós definition, equivalent to aphor ( ízein ) to define ( aphorize ) + -ismos -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphorism¹

C16: from Late Latin aphorismus, from Greek aphorismos definition, from aphorizein to define, set limits to, from horos boundary

Example Sentences

There’s another old aphorism about wealth, credited to the burlesque star and actress, Sophie Tucker.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In an aphorism sometimes attributed to Leo Tolstoy, sometimes to John Gardner, all literature relies on one of two plots: A person goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.

Read more on Salon

The queen of all she surveys, she speaks in moony aphorisms, is posing for Vanity Fair and orchestrating a fundraising gala, among minor entertainments.

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In Atwood’s first novel, she exists only through the viewpoint of June and most often as the source of aphorisms.

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For many in F1 there is an aphorism that sums up Red Bull's approach to their second seat: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

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Related Words

• adage 
• axiom 
• dictum 
• maxim 
• proverb