Apothegma

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A terse and pointed remark or saying that expresses a general truth in a memorable way
2. A brief, wise observation or witty remark that captures an idea with striking conciseness
3. A short, pithy statement or saying memorable for its aptness and wisdom

Etymology: Plutarch, the Greek biographer, gathered hundreds of short sayings attributed to Spartan kings and commanders into a collection he called "Apophthegmata Laconica." The Greek noun "apophthegma" was built from "apo-," meaning "off" or "forth," and "phthengesthai," "to speak out." Its original sense was a pointed, memorable utterance, and the famous Spartan mothers' farewell, "with it or on it" (come back with your shield or be carried back on it), fits the form exactly. English took the word from Latin, where "apophthegma" was the Latinized form of the Greek, during the 16th century, when scholars were eager to borrow classical vocabulary. The spelling "apothegm," without the "ph," became common alongside the Latin-style "apophthegm." Both are still listed in dictionaries, though the shorter form is more common today.

Synonyms: aphorism, maxim, saying, adage