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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
aphoristic
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The word "aphoristic" is both correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective which means characterized by or given to the use of brief, pithy, clever, and memorable expressions. For example: "My grandfather was a master of aphoristic wit, able to sum up big ideas with a few clever words."
✓ Grammatically correct
Encyclopedias
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
He became known for the short, aphoristic sayings contained within the four slim volumes of poetry he published in his lifetime, such as the assertion that "Sexual intercourse began/In nineteen sixty-three".
News & Media
But to say much that is striking, new or true about those would take aphoristic gifts or an astringency of mind that Mr Manguel does not claim to possess.
News & Media
To the end, Strindberg debated current social and political ideas (returning to the radical views of his youth) in polemical articles, while his philosophy was expounded in the aphoristic Zones of the Spirit (1907 12).
Encyclopedias
Having requested and received a sick leave, Nietzsche in 1877 set up house with his sister and his friend Peter Gast (Johann Heinrich Köselitz), and in 1878 his aphoristic Menschliches, Allzumenschliches (Human, All-Too-Human) appeared.
Encyclopedias
Typically a pithy, easily memorized aphoristic saying based on experience and universal in application, the mashal in its simplest and oldest form was a couplet in which a definition was given in two parallel lines related to each other either antithetically or synthetically.
Encyclopedias
His teachings were transmitted by Arrian, his pupil, in two works: Discourses, of which four books are extant; and the Encheiridion, or Manual, a condensed aphoristic version of the main doctrines.
Encyclopedias
His urbane Epicureanism and personal charm, his aphoristic philosophy and studied perfection won him recognition as Rome's leading poet after the death of his friend Virgil.
Encyclopedias
The work remains incomplete, so that, in spite of the aphoristic brilliance, or the lyrical power, of many fragments, some of the thinking is enigmatic, incoherent, or even contradictory.
Encyclopedias
The distinctive feature of his prose and poetry, even when he is dealing with the most abstract of subjects, is sensuousness; his prose is aphoristic and graceful, his poetry rich in natural images and allusions, always classical in form, and, at its best, as sinewy, subtly rhythmical, and melodious as the very best verse of the great dramatist Jean Racine or the Symbolist poet Paul Verlaine.
Encyclopedias
It is an anthology of basic Buddhist teachings (primarily ethical teachings) in a simple aphoristic style.
Encyclopedias
The Cello Sonata (1914) marks his first effort to return to more expanded forms following his "aphoristic" period.
Encyclopedias
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When aiming for an "aphoristic" style, focus on conveying complex ideas in a brief, memorable way. This often involves distilling information to its core essence and using language that is both precise and evocative.
Common error
Avoid being so brief that your meaning becomes obscure. An "aphoristic" statement should be concise, but still easily understood. Clarity should not be sacrificed for brevity.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The adjective "aphoristic" primarily functions to describe a style of communication that is concise, memorable, and full of meaning. Ludwig's examples show it modifying nouns like 'sayings', 'zones', and 'prose', highlighting their brief yet impactful nature. It is often associated with wisdom and insight.
Frequent in
Encyclopedias
32%
News & Media
32%
Science
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "aphoristic" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective to describe something concise, insightful, and memorable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability, showcasing numerous examples from reputable sources like encyclopedias and news media. The term is best used to characterize writing or speech that conveys complex ideas in a brief and impactful manner. While appropriate for formal and informal contexts, it is most commonly found in more formal settings, adding a layer of sophistication to the description. To maintain clarity, avoid overly cryptic phrasing and ensure the message remains easily understood.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
aphorism-like
Describes something resembling an aphorism, but potentially lacking the full weight or impact.
epigrammatic
Emphasizes the quality of being a witty saying or remark expressed tersely.
brief and insightful
Highlights both the brevity and the perceptive nature of the statement.
concise
Focuses on brevity and succinctness in expressing information.
pithy
Highlights the quality of being brief and full of meaning or substance.
packed with meaning
Emphasizes the high density of information conveyed in a few words.
succinct
Stresses the quality of being briefly and clearly expressed.
terse
Implies a brief and direct style, often to the point of being abrupt.
laconic
Suggests using very few words, often implying restraint or taciturnity.
gnomic
Refers to statements that are short, wise, and often enigmatic.
FAQs
How can I use "aphoristic" in a sentence?
You can use "aphoristic" to describe writing, speech, or thoughts that are concise and full of meaning. For example, "Her writing style is "aphoristic" and insightful."
What words are similar to "aphoristic"?
Similar words include "epigrammatic", "concise", and "pithy".
What is the difference between "aphoristic" and "verbose"?
"Aphoristic" describes something concise and meaningful, while "verbose" describes something excessively wordy. They are antonyms.
Is it appropriate to use "aphoristic" in formal writing?
Yes, "aphoristic" is suitable for formal writing when describing concise and insightful statements, as seen in various news media and encyclopedias.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested