What is the definition of aphorism?
The definition of aphorism is a concise and poignant saying that conveys a statement of truth.
Aphorism
Last Updated on June 8, 2022, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 81
Aphorism - a brief, pithy, usually concise statement or observation of a doctrine, principle, truth, or sentiment.
Writing an essay?
Get a custom outline
Our Essay Lab can help you tackle any essay assignment within seconds, whether you’re studying Macbeth or the American Revolution. Try it today!
The word comes from the Greek aphorizein, which means “to mark off by boundaries” and was formed by combining apo, meaning “from,” and horos, meaning “a limit.” The term was first used by Hippocrates.
See eNotes Ad-Free
Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.
Already a member? Log in here.
An example of an aphorism is Benjamin Franklin’s
Early to bed
and early to rise,
makes a man
healthy, wealthy, and wise.
see: epigram, proverb
Explore all literary terms.
See eNotes Ad-Free
Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.
Already a member? Log in here.
