apophthegm

ap·o·phthegm

A a

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [ap-uh-them]
- /ˈæp əˌθɛm/
- /ˈæ.pə.θem/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [ap-uh-them]
- /ˈæp əˌθɛm/

Definitions of apophthegm word

noun apophthegm a short cryptic remark containing some general or generally accepted truth; maxim 3
abbreviation APOPHTHEGM apothegm 3
noun apophthegm a short, pithy, instructive saying; a terse remark or aphorism. 1
noun apophthegm (UK) alternative spelling of apothegm. 1
noun apophthegm (Britain) Alternative spelling of apothegm. 0

See all 5 definitions of apophthegm

Information block about the term

Origin of apophthegm

First appearance:

before 1545

One of the 30% oldest English words

1545-55; earlier apothegma < Greek apóphthegma, equivalent to apophtheg- (variant stem of apophthéngesthai to speak out; apo- apo- + phthéngesthai to speak) + -ma noun suffix

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Apophthegm

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Apophthegm

apophthegm popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 48% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.

According to our data about 75% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.

apophthegm usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for apophthegm

noun apophthegm

handle — a part of a thing made specifically to be grasped or held by the hand.
precept — a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct.
aphorism — An aphorism is a short witty sentence which expresses a general truth or comment.
slogan — a distinctive cry, phrase, or motto of any party, group, manufacturer, or person; catchword or catch phrase.
gnome — GNU Network Object Model Environment

All 49 Synonyms of apophthegm