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aphorism

aph·o·rism
A a

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [af-uh-riz-uh m]
    • /ˈæf əˌrɪz əm/
    • /ˈæf.ə.rɪ.zəm/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [af-uh-riz-uh m]
    • /ˈæf əˌrɪz əm/

Definitions of aphorism word

  • countable noun aphorism An aphorism is a short witty sentence which expresses a general truth or comment. 3
  • noun aphorism a short pithy saying expressing a general truth; maxim 3
  • noun aphorism a short, concise statement of a principle 3
  • noun aphorism a short, pointed sentence expressing a wise or clever observation or a general truth; maxim; adage 3
  • noun aphorism a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” (Lord Acton). 1
  • noun aphorism A pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, “if it ain't broke, don't fix it.”. 1

Information block about the term

Origin of aphorism

First appearance:

before 1520
One of the 28% oldest English words
1520-30; French aphorisme < Late Latin aphorismus < Greek aphorismós definition, equivalent to aphor(ízein) to define (see aphorize) + -ismos -ism

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Aphorism

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

aphorism popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 91% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

aphorism usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for aphorism

noun aphorism

  • proverb — a word that can substitute for a verb or verb phrase, as do in They never attend board meetings, but we do regularly.
  • adage — An adage is something which people often say and which expresses a general truth about some aspect of life.
  • dictum — A dictum is a formal statement made by someone who has authority.
  • axiom — An axiom is a statement or idea which people accept as being true.
  • maximHiram Percy, 1869–1936, U.S. inventor.

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See also

Matching words

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