An “aphorism” (AF-uh-riz-um) – from the Greek for “to define” – is a terse saying embodying a general truth or astute observation.
Example (as used by Ross Douthat in a New York Times review of Digital Barbarism: A Writer’s Manifesto by Mark Helprin): “[The book] is a vindication of the aphorism about the perils of wrestling with a pig. (You get dirty; the pig likes it.)”
[Ed. Note: Become a more persuasive writer and speaker... build your self-confidence and intellect... increase your attractiveness to others... just by spending 10 VERY enjoyable minutes a day with ETR's Words to the Wise CD Library.]
Similar Articles:
- Word to the Wise: Paean – A "paean" (PEE-un) is a song of praise, joy, or triumph. The word is derived from an ancie…
- Word to the Wise: Hypertrophy – "Hypertrophy" (hy-PUR-truh-fee) – from the Greek for "beyond nourishment" – is e…
- Word to the Wise: Nonesuch – A "nonesuch" (NUN-such) is a model of perfection or excellence. Example (as used by James …
- Word to the Wise: Lingua Franca – "Lingua franca" (LING-gwuh FRANG-kuh) – from the Italian for "Frankish tongue" -…
- A Better Way to Criticize a Piece of Writing – A publisher I know likes to help his writers write better by criticizing their published work. Once …
- Idiosyncratic – Something that’s “idiosyncratic” (ih-dee-oh-sin-KRAT-ik) – from the Greek for “one’s own mixture” – …
- Anagogic – Something that’s “anagogic” (an-uh-GOJ-ik) – from the Greek for “to lift up” – has a secondary spiri…