Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Aphorism

Aph′o-rism

,
Noun.
[F.
aphorisme
, fr. Gr. [GREEK] definition, a short, pithy sentence, fr. [GREEK] to mark off by boundaries, to define; [GREEK] from + [GREEK] to separate, part. See
Horizon
.]
A comprehensive maxim or principle expressed in a few words; a sharply defined sentence relating to abstract truth rather than to practical matters.
The first
aphorism
of Hippocrates is, “Life is short, and the art is long.”
Fleming.
Syn. – Axiom; maxim; adage; proverb; apothegm; saying; saw; truism; dictum. See
Axiom
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Aphorism

APH'ORISM

,
Noun.
[Gr. determination, distinction; from to separate.]
A maxim; a precept, or principle expressed in few words; a detached sentence containing some important truth; as, the aphorisms of Hippocrates, or of the civil law.

Definition 2024

aphorism

aphorism

English

Noun

aphorism ‎(plural aphorisms)

  1. An original, laconic phrase conveying some principle or concept of thought, often one considered pithy.

Synonyms

  • See also Wikisaurus:saying

Related terms

Translations

See also

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈæ.fə.ɹɪzm̩/

Similar Results