adjective
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of, relating to, or resembling an aphorism
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tending to write or speak in aphorisms
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.
But when he got it right, his lyrics had an aphoristic directness that made them seem more hewn than written.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2025
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.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2023
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
The report here acquires an aphoristic quality: “Ms. Bennett expressed fear of what would happen if the Governor knew she had told anyone. Ms. DesRosiers and Ms. Mogul found Ms. Bennett to be credible.”
From Slate ● Aug. 3, 2021
Lydia and I were congratulating ourselves that no one could understand this rude diatribe when we noticed, at the next table, our acquaintance of Langeais, Lydia's aphoristic Frenchman, if I may coin a word.
From In Château Land by Wharton, Anne Hollingsworth
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
