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.
How do you identify an aphorism?
Aphorism Definition
To qualify as an aphorism, it is
necessary for a statement to contain a truth revealed in a terse manner
. Aphoristic statements are quoted in writings, as well as in our daily speech. The fact that they contain a truth gives them a universal acceptance.
What is the purpose of aphorism in writing?
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.
How do you write aphorism?
Take the underlying concept of a common aphorism and try to come up with a new metaphor for it.
Try to capture the basic wisdom behind the aphorism
and clothe it in new imagery. Aphorisms are extremely challenging to write so don’t worry if your aphorisms seem uninteresting at first!
What’s a saying called?
A saying (also called
a proverb
, maxim, or adage) is a piece of wisdom from one’s culture.
What is an aphorism in simple terms?
1 :
a concise statement of a principle
. 2 : a terse formulation of a truth or sentiment : adage the high-minded aphorism, “Let us value the quality of life, not the quantity”
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 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.
What is the opposite of aphorism?
aphorism. Antonyms:
lecture, exhortation
, dissertation, disquisition. Synonyms: adage, apothegm, maxim, saying, precept, rule, proverb.
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 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 are examples of cliches?
- All that glitters isn’t gold.
- Don’t get your knickers in a twist.
- All for one, and one for all.
- Kiss and make up.
- He has his tail between his legs.
- And they all lived happily ever after.
- Cat got your tongue?
- Read between the lines.
What are wise words?
- Be confident in yourself. “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.” — …
- Always be looking forward. “You can never plan the future by the past.” — …
- Live a life of purpose. …
- Be brave. …
- Use your time wisely. …
- Value yourself for who you are. …
- Hone your skills. …
- Keep your head up.
What is aphoristic style of writing?
Aphoristic style of Bacon: An aphoristic style means
a compact, condensed and epigrammatic style of writing
. Bacon’s writing has been admired for various reasons. … There is terseness of expression and epigrammatic brevity, in the essays of Bacon. His sentences are brief and rapid, but they are also forceful.
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.
