aphorism

[ af-uh-riz-uhm ]

See synonyms for aphorism on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

Origin of aphorism

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

Other words from aphorism

aph·o·ris·mic, aph·o·ris·mat·ic [af-uh-riz-mat-ik], /ˌæf ə rɪzˈmæt ɪk/, adjective

Words that may be confused with aphorism

adage, aphorism , apothegm, axiom, maxim, proverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use aphorism in a sentence

She is laconic, matter of fact, and frequently speaks in “life is a journey”-type metaphors and aphorisms—all part of her charm.
Diane von Furstenberg: How I Learned to Love My Wrap Dress | Lizzie Crocker | October 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
“To read means to borrow,” wrote G.C. Lichtenberg in one of his many unkillable aphorisms.
Compliments Are Nice, but Enough With the Cormac McCarthy Comparisons | William Giraldi | October 21, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Picasso, that volcanic talker, filled volumes with his anecdotes, aphorisms, and witticisms.
Rackstraw Downes’s Art and Essays Are Two Sides of the Same Genius | Bill Morris | June 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
It is told in a series of short paragraphs and aphorisms, many no longer than a single line.
The Daily Grind of Domesticity in Jenny Offill’s ‘Dept. of Speculation’ | Andrea Walker | February 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
I'll go for long periods without posting anything, then suddenly feel a rush of aphorisms and stick up 10 in a row.
How to Be Smart on Twitter | Alain de Botton | November 30, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

You will stand aloof like a second Aurelius, coining austere aphorisms and mocking the weakness of your unlearned fellows.
Sinister Street, vol. 1 | Compton Mackenzie
The first contains a series of aphorisms, while the other teaches the wisdom of life in the testament of a dying father.
The History of Yiddish Literature in the Nineteenth Century | Leo Wiener
Zweifel has produced several small works of aphorisms which have been very popular and have been frequently reprinted.
The History of Yiddish Literature in the Nineteenth Century | Leo Wiener
Even the aphorisms that were essentially humorous lose value in that degraded spelling.
Mark Twain, A Biography, 1835-1910, Complete | Albert Bigelow Paine
These aphorisms formed, says Littr, "a succession of propositions in juxtaposition, but not united."
An Epitome of the History of Medicine | Roswell Park

British Dictionary definitions for aphorism

aphorism

/ (ˈæfəˌrɪzəm) /

noun

a short pithy saying expressing a general truth; maxim

Origin of aphorism

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

Derived forms of aphorism

aphorist, noun

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

Cultural definitions for aphorism

aphorism

[ (af-uh-riz-uhm) ]

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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