aphoristic

[ af-uh-ris-tik ]

adjective

1. of, like, or containing aphorisms:

   His sermons were richly aphoristic.

2. given to making or quoting aphorisms.

Other Words From

• apho·risti·cal·ly adverb
• nonaph·o·ristic adjective
• nonaph·o·risti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphoristic¹

From the Greek word aphoristikós, dating back to 1745–55. See aphorist, -ic

Example Sentences

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

Home being aphoristically the place when you go there they have to take you in, Sully does, but it’s an uneasy reunion.

From Los Angeles Times

All became the grist for her dark satire, laced with wry, aphoristic asides on the human condition.

From New York Times

The chapters are short; the tone is aphoristic; the eye for cultural and social detail is Tom Wolfe-like.

From New York Times

The results are alternately — or sometimes simultaneously — profound, hysterical, saccharine, aphoristic, rhapsodic, loopy and unhinged, a kind of timeless-yet-woke Generation Alpha version of Charles Schulz’s “The Doctor Is In.”

From New York Times