aphorism

American  

[af-uh-riz-uhm] / ˈæf əˌrɪz əm /

noun

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

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aphorism British  

/ ˈæfəˌrɪzəm /

noun

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

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aphorism Cultural  

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.”

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Other Word Forms

• aphorismatic adjective
• aphorismic adjective
• aphorist noun

Etymology

Origin of aphorism

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

Example Sentences

The business of America is mainly business, according to the aphorism attributed to President Calvin Coolidge.

From Barron's

The business of America is mainly business, according to the aphorism attributed to President Calvin Coolidge.

From Barron's

I would rather look to Winston Churchill’s aphorism, that America can be counted on doing the right thing—after having done everything else.

From Barron's

I have another aphorism, this one related to automobiles, to keep in mind when planning your retirement: “Objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear.”

From MarketWatch

Wordplay, aphorisms and bon mots were Stoppard’s signature.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adage
• axiom
• dictum
• maxim
• proverb