aphorism

[ af-uh-riz-uhm ]

noun

1. a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” (Lord Acton).

aphorism

/ ˈæfəˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. a short pithy saying expressing a general truth; maxim

aphorism

1. A concise and often witty statement of wisdom or opinion, such as “Children should be seen and not heard,” or “People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.”

Derived Forms

• ˈaphorist, noun

Other Words From

• apho·rismic aph·o·ris·mat·ic [af-, uh, -riz-, mat, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphorism¹

1520–30; French aphorisme < Late Latin aphorismus < Greek aphorismós definition, equivalent to aphor ( ízein ) to define ( aphorize ) + -ismos -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphorism¹

C16: from Late Latin aphorismus, from Greek aphorismos definition, from aphorizein to define, set limits to, from horos boundary

Example Sentences

Many people attribute some cosmic significance to voting: “Tell me how you voted, and I will tell you who you are” seems to be the modern iteration of Carl Schmitt’s aphorism.

From Los Angeles Times

“You can’t hurry love,” Ross sang in the glorious Supremes song of that title — an aphorism everyone at Fool in Love kept rushing to reiterate.

From Los Angeles Times

But I’m not sure Trump and Vance can top Kennedy, the independent presidential candidate who is the very embodiment of Hunter S. Thompson’s famous aphorism, “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.”

From Los Angeles Times

When I visited last month, I learned 7-Eleven aphorisms abound in Taiwan.

From Los Angeles Times

His quid pro quo deals with the boss of Chicago, Mayor Richard J. Daley, ensured projects for both regions and were often punctuated with another Powell aphorism: “I can smell the meat a-cookin’!”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• adage
• axiom
• dictum
• maxim
• proverb