apothegm etymology

Etymology:

• Greek: apothegma, meaning "a sharp or pithy saying"
• From apo- (away, from) + thema (something placed, set)

Meaning:

An apothegm is a short, pithy, and memorable saying that expresses a truth or observation about human nature or life in general. It is often used to convey wisdom or to make a point in a concise and effective way.

Origin:

Apothegms have been used throughout history to teach, inspire, and entertain. The earliest known collections of apothegms come from ancient Greece and Rome, where they were popular among philosophers and orators. Famous Greek and Roman apothegmists include Aesop, Socrates, Plato, and Cicero.

Apothegms have continued to be used throughout the centuries, and many famous figures have been known for their wit and wisdom in this genre. Examples include Mark Twain, Benjamin Franklin, and Winston Churchill.

Characteristics:

Apothegms typically have the following characteristics:

• They are brief and concise.
• They express a universal truth or observation.
• They are often witty or humorous.
• They are memorable and easily recalled.

Examples:

• "The unexamined life is not worth living." (Socrates)
• "All good things must come to an end." (Geoffrey Chaucer)
• "It is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not." (André Gide)
• "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." (Socrates)
• "The best revenge is to live well." (Marcus Aurelius)

apothegm relate terms

• aphorism

  Etymology From Ancient Greek ἀφορισμός aphorismós from ἀφορίζω ap

• horizon

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

• 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

• 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

• diphthong

  Etymology Diphthong comes from the Greek words diphthongos meaning having two soun

• fable

  Etymology The word fable derives from the Latin fabula which itself is derived from

• axiom

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

• Maxim

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

• baccalaureate

  Etymology and Meaning The word baccalaureate originates from the Medieval Latin word b

• threshold

  Etymology Old English therscwald doorsill threshold From Proto Germanic threskō

• capacity

  Etymology Latin capacitas Late Latin capere to take to hold Meaning The a

• heredity

  Etymology The word heredity comes from the Latin word hereditas which means inherit

• pharmacy

  Etymology The word pharmacy derives from the Greek word pharmakon which means drug

• rigmarole

  Etymology Middle English rigmarole from Anglo Norman rigmarole from the Anglo Norman

• genre

  Etymology The word genre derives from the Old French word gengre which in turn come