What does "apothegm" mean?
A short, witty, instructive saying; an aphorism or maxim.
Apothegm
/ˈæ.pə.θɛm/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A short, witty, instructive saying; an aphorism or maxim.
- Grammar: apothegm is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: aphorism, adage, ana, analects.
- Useful contrasts: lengthy explanation, lengthy remark, vague principle.
- Usage evidence: Every glaſs of wine, or bit almoſt, that I committed to my mouth, ſhe uſhered thither with ſome Apothegm or other: the whole ſeries, indeed, of her diſcourſe, was compoſed of nothing but reaſon or wit, which made me admire her; which ſhe eaſily underſtood, I perceived by her ſmiles, when ſhe obſerved me gaping, as it were, when ſhe ſpoke, as if I would have eaten up her Words.
How to use "apothegm"
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Meaning check
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Source and review context
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Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 A short, witty, instructive saying; an aphorism or maxim.
"Every glaſs of wine, or bit almoſt, that I committed to my mouth, ſhe uſhered thither with ſome Apothegm or other: the whole ſeries, indeed, of her diſcourſe, was compoſed of nothing but reaſon or wit, which made me admire her; which ſhe eaſily underſtood, I perceived by her ſmiles, when ſhe obſerved me gaping, as it were, when ſhe ſpoke, as if I would have eaten up her Words."
- 2 a short pithy instructive saying wordnet
Antonyms
lengthy explanationlengthy remarkvague principleverbose exposition
Example
"Every glaſs of wine, or bit almoſt, that I committed to my mouth, ſhe uſhered thither with ſome Apothegm or other: the whole ſeries, indeed, of her diſcourſe, was compoſed of nothing but reaſon or wit, which made me admire her; which ſhe eaſily underſtood, I perceived by her ſmiles, when ſhe obſerved me gaping, as it were, when ſhe ſpoke, as if I would have eaten up her Words."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "apothegm"?
Common synonyms include: aphorism, adage, ana, analects, aphorism, apophthegm.
How do you use "apothegm" in a sentence?
Every glaſs of wine, or bit almoſt, that I committed to my mouth, ſhe uſhered thither with ſome Apothegm or other: the whole ſeries, indeed, of her diſcourſe, was compoſed of nothing but reaſon or wit, which made me admire her; which ſhe eaſily underſtood, I perceived by her ſmiles, when ſhe obſerved me gaping, as it were, when ſhe ſpoke, as if I would have eaten up her Words.
How do you pronounce "apothegm"?
Pronounced /ˈæ.pə.θɛm/.
Etymology
From French apophthegme or Medieval Latin apothegma, from Ancient Greek ἀπόφθεγμα (apóphthegma), from ἀποφθέγγομαι (apophthéngomai, “speak out”).