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Meaning & use

aphorism

noun·Advancedformal

Last updated

UK/ˈæfərɪzəm/
US/ˈæfərɪzəm/

Meaning

  1. nouncountable

    A short, clever saying that expresses a general truth or observation.

    Grammar: Regular countable noun.

    Patterns

    • an aphorism about something

    Less is more is a well-known aphorism about design.

    The author is famous for her witty aphorisms.

    He ended the speech with an old aphorism.

Word forms

pluralaphorisms

Common combinations

a famous aphorism
It is a famous aphorism.
a witty aphorism
His book is full of witty aphorisms.
the old aphorism
As the old aphorism goes, time is money.
coin an aphorism
She coined an aphorism about success.

Synonyms and how they differ

maxim
A rule of conduct, with a more practical, moral tone.
proverb
A traditional saying from folk wisdom, usually without a known author.
adage
An old saying many people accept as true.
epigram
A short saying that is especially witty or sharp.

Word family

aphoristic adjective
in the form of aphorisms

Commonly confused: aphorism or apothegm?

aphorism vs apothegm

A rarer word with nearly the same meaning.

Practice

The writer is known for her ___, short sayings that capture a truth in one sentence.

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