apophthegm
/'æpouθem/ Cách viết khác : (apothegm) /'æpouθem/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A short, pithy, instructive saying: An "apophthegm" is a concise, memorable, and often profound statement that expresses a general truth or piece of wisdom. It is similar to an aphorism or maxim.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- "The ancient philosopher was known for his apophthegms, which his students would diligently record."
- "Her speech was filled with clever apophthegms that summarized complex ideas in a single line."
- "The book is a collection of moral apophthegms from various cultures."
Advanced Usage
- As a rhetorical device: An apophthegm is often used in writing and speech to deliver wisdom or a moral lesson in a strikingly brief and forceful manner.
- The essay's power lay not in lengthy arguments but in its concluding apophthegm.
Variants and Related Words
- Apothegm (noun): An alternative, chiefly North American, spelling of "apophthegm." The meaning is identical.
- Benjamin Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanack" is famous for its apothegms.
- Aphorism (noun): A concise statement of a principle or truth; a very close synonym.
- Maxim (noun): A general truth or rule of conduct expressed in a short sentence.
- Adage (noun): A proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.
Synonyms
- Aphorism: A pithy observation containing a general truth.
- Maxim: A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of behavior.
- Adage: A proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.
- Saying: A short, commonly known expression that embodies a common observation.
Related Idioms or Phrases
(Note: "Apophthegm" itself is a specific term and is not typically part of common idioms or phrasal verbs. Its usage is primarily as a standalone noun.)
Noun
- a short pithy instructive saying