aphorism
A concise statement of a truth or principle
Examples
In a meeting
“His management style follows the aphorism 'hire slow, fire fast.'”
Over coffee
“She lives by the aphorism 'done is better than perfect.'”
Why this word
saying
Saying is any common expression; aphorism is a concise statement of principle or truth with literary merit
maxim
Maxim is a rule of conduct; aphorism is a more general observation that may be philosophical or witty
proverb
Proverb is traditional folk wisdom; aphorism is typically original and more intellectually sophisticated
Usage tip
Use when referring to pithy wisdom or guiding principles. More sophisticated than 'saying' or 'quote.'
Etymology
Greek 'aphorizein' meaning 'to define, to mark off'
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Related words
synthesis
The combining of separate elements to form a coherent whole
syllogism
A logical argument with two premises leading to a conclusion
empiricism
The belief that knowledge comes from observation and experience
paradox
A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true
premise
An underlying assumption on which reasoning is based
dogma
A principle or belief accepted without question