apophthegm
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of apophthegm
C16: from Greek apophthegma, from apophthengesthai to speak one's opinion frankly, from phthengesthai to speak
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.
Another perfect thing from this diverting piece, followed also by Homeric cachinnations, was the mock-serious apophthegm: "If a cloud is going to support a lady of substantial proportions, you must make it fairly solid."
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 152, May 23, 1917 by Various
The lump of earth, being taken somewhat by surprise, was not prepared with an apophthegm, and said nothing.
From Cobwebs from an Empty Skull by Bierce, Ambrose
A great statesman is responsible for an apophthegm on that aspect of the topic which always deserves to be quoted in the same breath as Dr Johnson's familiar half-truth.
From Shakespeare and the Modern Stage with Other Essays by Lee, Sidney, Sir
The perverseness of mankind makes it often mischievous 37in men of eminence to give way to merriment; the idle and the illiterate will long shelter themselves under this foolish apophthegm.
From The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes Volume the Eighth: The Lives of the Poets, Volume II by Johnson, Samuel
On literary réclame, he says much that is true—if not the whole truth, in the apophthegm for instance, 'You have to become famous before you can secure the attention which would give fame.'
From The House of Cobwebs and Other Stories by Gissing, George
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.
