aphorism
gb/ˈæfɚˌɪzəm/ us/ˈæfɚˌɪzəm/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
entity
1
short statement of truth
A short, clever saying that gives a general truth or piece of advice.
Usage pattern:
an aphorism about [something]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse an aphorism with a metaphor; an aphorism is a complete saying, not just a comparison.
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)
Collocations
famous aphorism
|old aphorism
|well-known aphorism
|pithy aphorism
|witty aphorism
|popular aphorism
|quote an aphorism
|coin an aphorism
|an aphorism about life
Themes
language
|communication
|wisdom
|literature
Examples
- Her favorite aphorism is “Less is more.”
- The professor opened the lecture with an aphorism about the limits of knowledge.
- The speech was full of neat aphorisms, but it offered few concrete solutions.
Learner examples
- “Time is money” is a common aphorism.
- He likes to repeat aphorisms about hard work.
Noun
literary
C2
entity
2
brief philosophical literary fragment
A short piece of serious writing that expresses one strong idea.
Usage pattern:
write in aphorisms; a collection of aphorisms
Common mistake:
This use often refers to a style or literary form, not necessarily to a traditional proverb.
Synonyms
fragment (emphasizes short, separate form more than wisdom or truth)
|
epigram (usually wittier and more polished)
|
reflection (broader and less concise)
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observation (more general; may be less literary)
Antonyms
essay (a longer, more developed piece of writing)
Collocations
philosophical aphorism
|literary aphorism
|write in aphorisms
|collection of aphorisms
|book of aphorisms
|series of aphorisms
|aphorisms and fragments
Themes
literature
|philosophy
|writing
|ideas
Examples
- The book is written as a series of aphorisms rather than a continuous argument.
- Nietzsche’s aphorisms often sound simple at first but become more complex on rereading.
- Each aphorism in the collection presents a small, unsettling insight about modern life.
Learner examples
- The writer’s aphorisms are short but difficult.
- We read a page of aphorisms in philosophy class.
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.