aphoristic

adjective

aph·​o·​ris·​tic ¦a-fə-¦ri-stik How to pronounce aphoristic (audio)
Synonyms of aphoristicnext
1
: of, resembling, or characterized by aphorisms : terse, pithy
the suggestive virtues of the aphoristic styleDouglas Bush
2
: given to the use of aphorisms
do not be brilliant and aphoristicJ. B. Cabell
aphoristically adverb

Word History

Etymology

Greek aphoristikos delimiting, aphoristic, from (assumed) aphoristos (verbal of aphorizein) + -ikos -ic

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aphoristic was in 1753

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Cite this Entry

“Aphoristic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aphoristic. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

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