Meaning & use
apothegms
Last updated
UK/ˈæpəθemz/
US/ˈæpəθemz/
“apothegms” is a form of “apothegm”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounpluralformal
Short, clever sayings that express a general truth or piece of practical wisdom.
Grammar: Plural of apothegm: collected apothegms.
Patterns
- apothegms about something
The old teacher loved to quote apothegms about patience.
Her notebook was full of apothegms on leadership.
The book collects the apothegms of ancient philosophers.
Common combinations
- collect apothegms
- He liked to collect apothegms from famous writers.
- pithy apothegms
- The essay was packed with pithy apothegms.
- a book of apothegms
- She gave me a book of apothegms.
- ancient apothegms
- The ancient apothegms still seem wise today.
Synonyms and how they differ
- maxims
- Maxims are rules of conduct, while apothegms stress being short and witty.
- proverbs
- Proverbs are traditional sayings from common speech, but apothegms often have a known author.
- aphorisms
- Aphorisms is almost the same and is far more common.
- adages
- Adages are old sayings, whereas apothegms need not be old.
Word family
- apothegm noun
- one such saying
- apothegmatic adjective
- expressed in short wise sayings
- apophthegm noun
- an alternative spelling
Commonly confused: apothegms or apothecary?
apothegms vs apothecary
An apothecary is an old word for a pharmacist, unrelated to sayings.
Practice
Which of these is closest in meaning to apothegms?
Choose one answer.
Apothegms are short wise sayings, as aphorisms are. Anecdotes are short stories, not sayings.
Make it your own
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