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

Cash and Delaney are both given to brief, aphoristic comments that provide added insight into who they are.

From New York Times • Oct. 8, 2021

Then she’d give me some sage, aphoristic advice.

From Washington Post • Sep. 30, 2021

To supersede the trashy works of Fergusson and Kelly was the reason why Ramsay set himself to gather up the wealth of aphoristic wisdom that lay manna-like on all sides of him.

From Allan Ramsay Famous Scots Series by Smeaton, William Henry Oliphant