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aphorism Definition

apho·rism (afə riz′əm)

noun

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

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

aphorism Synonyms

aphorism

n.

aphorism Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • coin: For Lassalle, who coined the aphorism on science and the proletariat, science, like the state, stands above the class struggle.
  • translate: After every translated aphorism, I briefly comment on the association it invoked in me.
  • begin: He often begins an aphorism with a quoted passage.
  • use: It literally revolves around and around, using aphorisms about war and cons as axes upon which the movie almost physically rotates.
  • become: Soon afterward, their empire disintegrates, and over the passage of time Outer Mongolia becomes an aphorism for obscurity.
  • prove: It proves the old aphorism that if something looks too good to be true then it probably is.

Adjective modifier

  • pithy: His words have achieved the status of, at the very least, pithy aphorisms if not proverbs.
  • famous: The force of this criterion is best expressed in Bishop Butler's famous aphorism, " Probability is the very guide of life.
  • old: The old aphorism ' travel broadens the mind ' has been wholly forgotten.
  • witty: Firstly, the entries are more like short to medium-sized essays, rather than witty aphorisms.
  • marvelous: The Harpo Marx comment near the beginning comes from ' Marvelous Aphorisms ' and sums up the serious and ridiculous nature of the performance.

Noun used with modifier

choice: The second part is the ' Choice Aphorisms ' from the Seven Segments of Jerome Cardan.

Browse dictionary entries near aphorism

  1. aphonic
  2. aphonia
  3. aphis lion
  4. aphis
  5. aphid
  6. aphesis
  7. apheresis
  8. apheliotropism
  9. aphelion
  10. aphasia
  1. aphoristic
  2. aphorize
  3. aphotic
  4. aphrodisiac
  5. Aphrodite
  6. aphtha
  7. aphyllous
  8. API
  9. Apia
  10. apiaceous