aphorism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aphorism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a concise statement that expresses a general truth or principle, often in a witty or memorable way. Example: "The aphorism 'Actions speak louder than words' reminds us that what we do is more important than what we say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take the aphorism with which I began: "Never apologise, never explain".

The Guardian - Books

'Constitutional reform should be based on consensus because if you can get consensus it has a much better chance of being stable thereafter.' He takes as his motto Disraeli's aphorism 'Oppose, adapt, adopt'.

The Guardian

THE old aphorism "Cairo writes, Beirut publishes, and Baghdad reads" once again rings through Iraq's holy cities. Bookstalls have multiplied, peddling photocopied confessions of Saddam Hussein's former intelligence chiefs, often brought out chapter by chapter for those who cannot afford the whole text.

The Economist

Chairman Mao's aphorism encapsulates a lesson all foreign businesspeople should take to heart: the Chinese scent profit in chaos.

The Economist

Such a worm, which Mr Weaver dubs a "Warhol worm" after Andy Warhol's famous aphorism about fame, could infect all those vulnerable computers in about 15 minutes, giving it a huge head start.

The Economist

This week Tom DeLay, a Texan who makes Powell look like a pinko, proved this aphorism in spectacular fashion.

The Economist

To observers of China, dazzled by its startling economic growth and ever-increasing power, Napoleon's aphorism has seemed irresistibly apposite.

The Economist

The goal of this theory is encapsulated in Bentham's aphorism that "the greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation".Which all sounds fine and dandy until you start applying it to particular cases.

The Economist

At the local headquarters of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) party, a grey slab engraved with Ataturk's aphorism "Happy is he who calls himself a Turk" gathers dust under a stairwell.

The Economist

ZHU LIANGXIU gulps down Kenyan lager in a bar in Nairobi and recites a Chinese aphorism: "One cannot step into the same river twice".

The Economist

Whole Foods organises its workers into teams that have a lot of freedom to choose members and distribute tasks, relying on peer pressure rather than top-down control.It is undoubtedly a mistake for a company to base its management philosophy on Taylor's aphorism that "people are no more than mechanical parts" in a great assembly line.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "aphorism", ensure the statement you're describing is both concise and insightful, reflecting a broader truth or observation. For example, "Less is more" is a well-known aphorism that embodies minimalism.

Common error

Avoid labeling any short statement as an "aphorism". An "aphorism" should carry a deeper meaning or a universal truth, not just be a casual remark. Overusing the term can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "aphorism" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to a concise statement that expresses a general truth or principle. Ludwig AI affirms this by highlighting examples where "aphorism" is used to identify and discuss such statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "aphorism" refers to a concise statement expressing a general truth or principle. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. This guide has provided related phrases like "saying", "proverb", and "maxim", along with practical writing guidance to ensure accurate and impactful usage. Remember that while "aphorism" is a useful tool, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring that you are referring to a statement with broader relevance, and not simply a casual statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

saying

A general and widely known statement or belief.

proverb

A short, popular saying, usually offering advice.

maxim

A general truth or rule of conduct; a principle.

adage

An old saying that has come to be accepted as true.

dictum

A formal or authoritative statement.

motto

A short expression of a guiding principle.

precept

A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.

axiom

A statement that is self-evidently true.

epigram

A concise, witty statement.

truism

A statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting.

FAQs

How can I use "aphorism" in a sentence?

You can use "aphorism" to describe a concise statement of a general truth, such as: "The famous aphorism 'Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise' is attributed to Benjamin Franklin."

What is the difference between an "aphorism" and a proverb?

An "aphorism" is a concise statement of a principle, while a proverb is a short, popular saying, usually offering advice. While some overlap, proverbs are generally more folksy and traditional. Both "saying" and "proverb" are possible alternatives depending on the specific intention.

What are some examples of well-known aphorisms?

Examples of well-known aphorisms include "Less is more", "The only constant is change", and "Know thyself".

What can I say instead of "aphorism"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "saying", "proverb", or "maxim". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.