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aphorism definition

apho·rism (af′ə 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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

aphorism Synonyms

aphorism

n.

saying, proverb, adage; see proverb, saying. See syn. study atsaying.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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.

Adjective modifier

  • pithy: His words have achieved the status of, at the very least, pithy aphorisms if not proverbs.

Noun used with modifier

  • choice: The second part is the ' Choice Aphorisms ' from the Seven Segments of Jerome Cardan.
aphorism usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

aphorism quotes

'Always be civil to the girls, you never know who they may marry' is an aphorism which has saved manyan English spinster from being treated like an Indian widow.

-Mitford, Nancy Freeman

aphorism quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"aphorism." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/aphorism>

APA Style

aphorism. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/aphorism

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