aphorism etymology

Etymology

• From Ancient Greek ἀφορισμός (aphorismós), from ἀφορίζω (aphorízō) (“to define, limit, separate”).
• Ultimately from ἀπό (apó) (“from”) + ὅρος (hóros) (“boundary, limit”).

Meaning

• A concise saying that expresses a general truth or principle.
• A pithy or memorable observation.

Origin

Aphorisms have been used since ancient times to convey wisdom and knowledge in a succinct and memorable way. The term itself was first used by the Greek physician Hippocrates (c. 460-370 BC) in his medical writings. Hippocrates used aphorisms to record his observations and teachings about diseases and treatments.

Over time, the use of aphorisms spread to other fields, such as philosophy, literature, and religion. Some of the most famous aphorisms include:

• "Know thyself." (Socrates)
• "All good things are wild and free." (Henry David Thoreau)
• "The best way to predict the future is to create it." (Abraham Lincoln)
• "A stitch in time saves nine." (Old proverb)
• "The pen is mightier than the sword." (Edward Bulwer-Lytton)

Aphorisms continue to be used today as a way to express wisdom, truth, and humor in a concise and memorable way.

aphorism relate terms

• axiom

  Etymology The word axiom is derived from the Greek word axíōma which means that

• epigram

  Etymology Derived from the Ancient Greek word ἐπίγραμμα epígramma meaning

• epigraph

  Etymology Derived from the Greek word epigraphē meaning inscription or superinsc

• horizon

  Etymology Middle English orizont from Old French orizont from Late Latin horizon fr

• Maxim

  Etymology The name Maxim is derived from the Latin word maximus which means greatest

• saying

  Etymology The word saying derives from the Old English word secgan meaning to speak

• unscramble

  Etymology Meaning The study of the origin and history of words Origin Greek etymos

• sentence

  Etymology The word sentence comes from the Latin word sententia meaning opinion j

• apothegm

  Etymology Greek apothegma meaning a sharp or pithy saying From apo away from

• change

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words

• minister

  Etymology The word minister is derived from the Latin word minister which means at

• astronomy

  Etymology The word astronomy is derived from the Greek words astron ἄστρον