adjective
-
of, relating to, or resembling an aphorism
-
tending to write or speak in aphorisms
Other Word Forms
- aphoristically adverb
- nonaphoristic adjective
- nonaphoristically adverb
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.
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
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
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
It’s a remarkably extended fusillade of aphoristic provocation and insight, inspired in part by the death of his son.
From New York Times • Nov. 25, 2020
Such dissimilar matters, coming from all quarters, were melted down into this vast body of aphoristic knowledge.
From Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 3 by Disraeli, Isaac
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.