aphorism

/ˈæf.ə.ɹɪ.zəm/

ÆF · ə · ɹɪ · zəm (4 syllables)

English Noun
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Definition

A concise, terse, laconic, or memorable expression of a general truth or principle.

Etymology

From Middle French aphorisme, from Late Latin aphorismus, from Ancient Greek ἀφορισμός (aphorismós, “pithy phrase containing a general truth”), from ἀφορίζω (aphorízō, “I define, mark off or determine”), from ἀπό (apó, “off”) + ὁρίζω (horízō, “I divide, bound”), from ὅρος (hóros, “boundary”).

Example Sentences

  • "As the promoters expected the overall size of the rail market to expand, it demonstrated the aphorism that 'a rising tide lifts all the boats' associated with the belief that improved services benefit all the participants."
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