Apothegme

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A concise and instructive saying or maxim that encapsulates wisdom or a moral lesson
2. A brief statement or remark that conveys a significant truth or principle, often in a witty or memorable manner
3. An impactful and succinct expression or assertion intended to impart knowledge or insights in a clever way

Etymology: The Greek "apophthegma" meant a terse, pointed saying, built from "apo-" (off, forth) and "phthengesthai" (to speak out). The sense was about speaking plainly and out loud rather than about wisdom or wit. Ancient writers used it for short, memorable remarks, especially those attributed to famous kings, generals, and philosophers. Plutarch's collections of such sayings made the term a common label for them. The English spelling keeps the "gm" ending from the Greek, which is why it looks odd to readers who expect "-m" alone. Its meaning narrowed over time: the Greek sense covered any brief, striking utterance, while the English word now points specifically to a short saying that carries a moral or general truth.

Synonyms: aphorism, maxim, saying, adage, proverb