Definition: Aphorism

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Etymology

From Middle French aphorisme, from Late Latin aphorismus, from Ancient Greek ἀφοÏισμός or aphorismós (pithy phrase containing a general truth), from ἀφοÏίζω or aphorízÅ (I define, mark off or determine), from ἀπό or apó (off) + á½Ïίζω or horízÅ (I divide, bound), from á½…Ïος or hóros (boundary).

Noun

aphorism (plural aphorisms)

  1. A concise, terse, laconic, or memorable expression of a general truth or principle.

Derived terms

  • aphorismer
  • aphorismic

Related terms

  • aphorist
  • aphoristic

Verb

aphorism (third-person singular simple present aphorisms, present participle aphorisming, simple past and past participle aphorismed)

  1. To speak or write aphorisms.

Credits

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