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aphorism

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The definition of an aphorism is a brief sentence or phrase that expresses an opinion or a statement.

(noun)

“A penny saved is a penny earned” is an example of an aphorism.

See aphorism in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a short, concise statement of a principle
a short, pointed sentence expressing a wise or clever observation or a general truth; maxim; adage

Origin: < OFr & ML: OFr aufforisme < ML aphorismus < LGr aphorismos < Gr, a distinction, determination < aphorizein, to divide, mark off < apo-, from + horizein, to bound: see horizon

See aphorism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion; an adage. See Synonyms at saying.
A brief statement of a principle.

Origin:

Origin: French aphorisme

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Late Latin aphorismus

Origin: , from Greek aphorismos

Origin: , from aphorizein, to delimit, define

Origin: : apo-, apo-

Origin: + horizein, to delimit, define; see horizon

Related Forms:

aphˈo·rist noun

aphˌo·risˈtic (-rĭsˈtĭk) adjective

aphˌo·risˈti·cal·ly adverb

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