Definition: Aphorism

Etymology

From Middle French aphorisme, from Late Latin aphorismus, from Ancient Greek ἀφορισμός or aphorismós (pithy phrase containing a general truth), from ἀφορίζω or aphorízō (I define, mark off or determine), from ἀπό or apó (off) + ὁρίζω or horízō (I divide, bound), from ὅρος 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

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors copied and adjusted this Wiktionary entry in accordance with NWE standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit for this article is due to both New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions at Wiktionary is accessible to researchers here:

• aphorism  ^history