aphorism
gb/ˈæfɚˌɪzəm/ us/ˈæfɚˌɪzəm/
C1
English
aforizma, bölcs mondás
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
1
aforizma
C1
bölcs mondás
B1
Usage pattern:
an aphorism about [something]
Her favorite aphorism is “Less is more.”
A kedvenc aforizmája ez: „A kevesebb több.”
The professor opened the lecture with an aphorism about the limits of knowledge.
A professzor egy, a tudás határairól szóló aforizmával kezdte az előadást.
The speech was full of neat aphorisms, but it offered few concrete solutions.
Learner examples
“Time is money” is a common aphorism.
Az „idő pénz” egy gyakori aforizma.
He likes to repeat aphorisms about hard work.
Szereti ismételgetni a kemény munkáról szóló aforizmákat.
Common mistake:
Do not confuse an aphorism with a metaphor; an aphorism is a complete saying, not just a comparison.
Meaning
short statement of truth
Collocations
famous aphorism
|old aphorism
|well-known aphorism
|pithy aphorism
|witty aphorism
|popular aphorism
|quote an aphorism
|coin an aphorism
|an aphorism about life
Synonyms
maxim (very close; often suggests a rule for behavior)
|
adage (often older and widely accepted)
|
proverb (usually traditional and commonly known in a culture)
|
saying (more general and less formal)
|
dictum (more formal; may sound authoritative)
Themes
language
|communication
|wisdom
|literature
Definition
A short, clever saying that gives a general truth or piece of advice.
A short, memorable statement that expresses a general truth, principle, or piece of practical wisdom.
NOUN
C2
LITERARY
2
aforizma
C1
Usage pattern:
write in aphorisms; a collection of aphorisms
The book is written as a series of aphorisms rather than a continuous argument.
A könyv nem folyamatos érvelésként, hanem aforizmák sorozataként íródott.
Nietzsche’s aphorisms often sound simple at first but become more complex on rereading.
Nietzsche aforizmái elsőre gyakran egyszerűnek hangzanak, de újraolvasva összetettebbnek bizonyulnak.
Each aphorism in the collection presents a small, unsettling insight about modern life.
Learner examples
The writer’s aphorisms are short but difficult.
Az író aforizmái rövidek, de nehezen érthetők.
We read a page of aphorisms in philosophy class.
Filozófiaórán elolvastunk egy oldalnyi aforizmát.
Common mistake:
This use often refers to a style or literary form, not necessarily to a traditional proverb.
Meaning
brief philosophical literary fragment
Collocations
philosophical aphorism
|literary aphorism
|write in aphorisms
|collection of aphorisms
|book of aphorisms
|series of aphorisms
|aphorisms and fragments
Synonyms
fragment (emphasizes short, separate form more than wisdom or truth)
|
epigram (usually wittier and more polished)
|
reflection (broader and less concise)
|
observation (more general; may be less literary)
Antonyms
essay (a longer, more developed piece of writing)
Themes
literature
|philosophy
|writing
|ideas
Definition
A short piece of serious writing that expresses one strong idea.
A very short, self-contained piece of writing, often literary or philosophical, that presents a compressed insight or provocative idea.
Grammar
Dictionary form
aphorism
IPA
GB/ˈæfɚˌɪzəm/
US/ˈæfɚˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
aph - or - ism (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (aph)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: aphorism
- Plural: aphorisms
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.