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
Derived 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
“In This House,” the sign begins, followed by a list of aphoristic family rules, such as “We Do Hugs,” “We Do Mistakes,” “We Do Loud Really Well” or “We Do Family.”
From New York Times • Oct. 29, 2021
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
“All the world love the lover,” says Emerson, and Tisha could certify to this aphoristic truth, for who more humble than Tisha?
From The Squatter and the Don by Loyal, C.
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.
