An aphorism is a brief saying or phrase that expresses an opinion or makes a statement of wisdom without the flowery language of a proverb. ... For example, “ A bad penny always turns up ” is an aphorism for the fact that bad people or things are bound to turn up in life. We just have to deal with them when they do.
What is the purpose of a aphorism?
Regardless of where they occur in a text, writers use aphorisms to cleverly and concisely express observations or philosophical ideas . Because aphorisms are short phrases that evoke big ideas, writers often use them as shorthand for a work’s central themes.
What is an example of a aphorism?
An aphorism is a brief saying or phrase that expresses an opinion or makes a statement of wisdom without the flowery language of a proverb. ... For example, “ A bad penny always turns up ” is an aphorism for the fact that bad people or things are bound to turn up in life. We just have to deal with them when they do.
How do you use aphorism in a sentence?
- The pawpaw didn’t hold out both hands and I took the grapefruit, which had more pith on it than an Oscar Wilde aphorism. ...
- He had no final answer to these questions, or rather, no neat aphorism that he cared to formulate as a philosophical truth.
Who is famous for aphorisms?
Other important early aphorists were Baltasar Gracián, François de La Rochefoucauld and Blaise Pascal . Two influential collections of aphorisms published in the twentieth century were The Uncombed Thoughts by Stanisław Jerzy Lec (in Polish), and Itch of Wisdom by Mikhail Turovsky (in Russian and English).
What’s a saying called?
A saying (also called a proverb , maxim, or adage) is a piece of wisdom from one’s culture.
What are the characteristics of a aphorism?
- Aphorism is a statement of truth or opinion expressed in a concise and witty manner. The term is often applied to philosophical, moral, and literary principles.
- Aphorisms often come with a pinch of humor, which makes them more appealing to the masses. ...
- Sir Francis Bacon excels in the aphoristic style of writing.
What is the effect of aphorism?
Through aphorisms, writers and speakers can teach universal truths to audiences , allowing them to relate to the world around them and the words of the writer. Aphorisms are often used in motivational speeches for increased understanding and relatability of the audience.
What do all aphorisms have in common?
Define aphorism: Aphorisms are general, often witty, statements that present a moral or philosophical idea . These are present in common phrases as well as in well-known literature.
What is the difference between an aphorism and an idiom?
Aphorisms are straightforward maxims. Cliches are often overused events that become predictable. Idioms are phrases with a fixed figurative meaning as opposed to the literal meaning .
What is the opposite of aphorism?
aphorism. Antonyms: lecture, exhortation , dissertation, disquisition. Synonyms: adage, apothegm, maxim, saying, precept, rule, proverb.
What do you call a saying you live by?
A motto, aphorism , axiom, or other piece of advice that will serve one well throughout one’s life if upheld or adhered to. Sometimes used humorously or sarcastically.
Is a proverb an aphorism?
Aphorisms are a lot like proverbs. ... In truth, we don’t use the term “aphorism” as often as “proverb” or “adage,” but it’s certainly a member of the same family tree. An aphorism is a short phrase that expresses an opinion or makes a statement of wisdom . It, too, focuses on moral instruction and can be quite witty.
What are old time sayings called?
| adage proverb | aphorism maxim | axiom truism | apothegm cliché | repartee principle |
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How do you make an original aphorism?
In order to be a true aphorism rather than a truism or cliché, an aphorism has to contain a new, thought-provoking idea , and those are difficult to come up with on your own! In addition, aphorisms have to make a complicated point in a very short space of time, so a good metaphor is invaluable in writing aphorisms.
