Apothegm

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈæ.pə.θɛm/

Definitions

1. A brief, insightful statement that encapsulates a universal truth or moral lesson
2. A short, pithy remark that conveys wisdom or a general truth
3. An abbreviated expression that delivers a clear moral or practical insight

Etymology: The Greek verb "apophthengesthai" meant "to speak out" or "to declare," and its noun "apophthegma" was a pointed, memorable saying, often attributed to a famous figure. The Greeks prized such sayings, and collections of them circulated widely in the ancient world. The word passed through Medieval Latin as "apothegma," and the spelling in English reflects a path through French "apophthegme," which kept the Greek look of the word while the speech it named was valued for brevity and force. Its shape alone carries the idea. The prefix "apo-" suggests "away" or "forth," and the root "phthegm-" is tied to the sound of speaking aloud, so the word literally describes a statement uttered outward. An apothegm was therefore less a piece of argument than a crisp utterance that dropped into conversation and stayed there.

Synonyms: saying, maxim, proverb, adage, aphorism