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

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

“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

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