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Aphorism. An aphorism (from Greek ἀφορισμός: aphorismos, denoting 'delimitation', 'distinction', and 'definition') is a concise, terse, laconic, or memorable expression of a general truth or principle. [1] Aphorisms are often handed down by tradition from generation to generation. The concept is generally distinct from those of an ...
- Aphorism Definition
- Aphorism Examples
- Why Do Writers Choose to Write Aphorisms?
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What is an aphorism? Here’s a quick and simple definition: Some additional key details about aphorisms: 1. Aphorisms are memorable and convincing because of their pithiness. This pithiness can also be a weakness, though, since it usually means that bold assertions are being made without any elaboration or evidence to back them up. 2. Many commonly ...
Aphorism in Literature
Writers of literature often invent memorable aphorisms because they need to communicate a big idea in a striking way. Some aphorisms that originated in literature are now so common that their literary origin is practically unknown, while other aphorisms are still strongly associated with the authors that penned them.
Aphorism in Everyday Speech
This list represents just a small fraction of the aphorisms people commonly use in everyday speech. 1. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. 2. All is fair in love and war. 3. A jack of all trades is master of none. 4. Measure twice, cut once. 5. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. 6. Better safe than sorry. 7. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't.
Aphorism in Politics
Here's a short list of some famous aphorisms that come from political speeches or writing. 1. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig. Variations on this phrase are frequently used by American politicians accusing their opponents of representing their policies in a disingenuous way. During the United States' 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama's use of the phrase stirred up controversy when some believed he was calling vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin a lipstick-wearin...
As the above examples from Anna Karenina and Pride and Prejudice show, aphorisms can make for excellent opening lines because they introduce big ideas in relatively few words—in other words, they pack a punch. Of course, aphorisms function just as well within the body of a work. Regardless of where they occur in a text, writers use aphorisms to cle...
If you're on the hunt for compelling and quotable aphorisms, check out this article from NPR, which excerpts sections of Geary's Guide to The World's Great Aphorists.Oct 8, 2024 · Aphorism, a concise expression of doctrine or principle or any generally accepted truth conveyed in a pithy, memorable statement. Aphorisms have been especially used in dealing with subjects that were late in developing their own principles or methodology—for example, art, agriculture, medicine,
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Feb 2, 2024 · Definition: An aphorism is a succinct statement or observation that embodies a general truth or principle, often with wit and philosophical depth. Etymology and Origin: Originating from the Greek ‘aphorismos’, meaning ‘definition’ or ‘distinction’, the term has roots in ‘aphorizein’, implying ‘to define’ or ‘to delimit’.
Apr 13, 2019 · An aphorism is a tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion or a brief statement of a principle. This is also known as (or similar to) a saying, maxim , adage , saw dictum , and precept . In The Advancement of Learning (1605), Francis Bacon noted that aphorisms go to "the pith and heart of sciences," leaving out illustrations, examples, connections, and applications.
- Richard Nordquist
APHORISM definition: 1. a short clever saying that is intended to express a general truth: 2. a short clever saying…. Learn more.
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An aphorism is a short saying that observes a general truth. Aphorisms are often concise and mildly humorous statements that are intended to appeal to the masses as a message of wisdom or understanding, such as “some days you eat the bear; some days the bear eats you.”. Many famous aphorisms are quoted frequently, yet they often lose their ...
