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.
Similarly, the cast wrings some poetry out of the prosaic, often aphoristic dialogue.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 30, 2026
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
Others thought Nietzsche’s aphoristic style—full of concise, powerful quotes like “Become who you are” and “What does not kill me makes me stronger”—would work really well on TikTok.
From Slate ● Mar. 14, 2022
His fans can exit the theater after one of his plays with a heady feeling of freedom, stoic and ready for life, ignited by his aphoristic wit and two hours’ traffic with the Big Questions.
From New York Times ● Feb. 24, 2021
Dodsley's principal work was the "Economy of Human Life," written in an aphoristic style, and ascribed to Lord Chesterfield.
From History of English Humour, Vol. 2 by Alfred Guy Kingan L'Estrange
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.
