aphorism

[ af-uh-riz-uh m ]
/ ˈæf əˌrɪz əm /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR aphorism ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

Origin of aphorism

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

OTHER WORDS FROM aphorism

aph·o·ris·mic, aph·o·ris·mat·ic [af-uh-riz-mat-ik] /ˌæf ə rɪzˈmæt ɪk/, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH aphorism

adage aphorism apothegm axiom maxim proverb

Words nearby aphorism

aphid, aphid lion, aphis, aphonia, aphonic, aphorism, aphorist, aphoristic, aphorize, aphotic, aphrasia

Words related to aphorism

proverb, adage, dictum, axiom, maxim, saying, truism, apothegm, rule, precept, moral, saw

Example sentences from the Web for aphorism

British Dictionary definitions for aphorism

aphorism
/ (ˈæfəˌrɪzəm) /

noun

a short pithy saying expressing a general truth; maxim

Derived forms of aphorism

aphorist, noun

Word Origin for aphorism

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

Cultural definitions for aphorism

aphorism
[ (af-uh-riz-uhm) ]

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.”