| aphorism |
| Definition: A short, pithy sentence that states a general truth. |
| Example: It is better to be a live dog than a dead lion. (Lassie) |
| Etymology: The word derives via Middle French and Late Latin from the Greek aphorismos, definition or pithy sentence (from apo, from + horizein, to bound). |
| OED: The term's first OED citation in this sense is from circa 1590: "Is not thy common talk sound aphorisms?" (Marlowe, Faustus, i. 19) |
| Quotation:
"An aphorism is a short, pithy statement containing a truth of general import; an axiom is a statement of self-evident truth; a theorem is a demonstrable proposition in science or mathematics; an epigram is like an aphorism, but lacking in general import. Maxim and saying can be used as synonyms for aphorism."
(Source: Online Etymology Dictionary s.v. aphorism ) |