aphoristic

American  

[af-uh-ris-tik] / ˌæf əˈrɪs tɪk /

adjective

1. of, like, or containing aphorisms.

   His sermons were richly aphoristic.

2. given to making or quoting aphorisms.

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aphoristic British  

/ ˌæfəˈrɪstɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling an aphorism

2. tending to write or speak in aphorisms

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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

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

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

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

The mass of information in every department of knowledge which Voltaire, for instance, had at his disposal was immense; but the working out and application of it were strongly hasty, aphoristic, and frivolous.

From The Contemporary Review, Volume 36, November 1879 by Various