aphorism

/ˈæfərɪzəm/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈæfərɪzəm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈa-fə-ˌri-zəm/ (ame, mw)

aphorism — noun

  • aphorismsingular
  • aphorismsplural

1. a brief, memorable statement that expresses a general observation about life, hu

1.名詞B2
釋義

a brief, memorable statement that expresses a general observation about life, human nature, or behaviour in a clever or striking way.

例句

Fatima began her speech with an old Chinese aphorism about the journey of a thousand miles.

an old Chinese aphorism about

The Watanabe family framed their favourite aphorism and hung it in the kitchen.

their favourite aphorism

同義詞
  • maxim

    more instructional in tone, often stating a rule of conduct rather than an observation

  • saying

    a broader, less formal term for any short familiar expression

  • adage

    implies greater age and wider acceptance; often feels more traditional than an aphorism

文法句型

aphorism + about + topic

用法筆記

An aphorism is typically attributed to a known author (a writer, philosopher, or public figure), unlike a proverb, which feels older and anonymous. Frequently used with 'about' to introduce the topic (an aphorism about patience) and with 'attributed to' to name the source.

常見錯誤

❌My grandmother taught me an aphorism about saving money.
✅My grandmother taught me a proverb about saving money.
💡Proverbs are traditional folk sayings passed down through families; aphorisms are associated with a specific known author.