aphorism, apothegm, apophthegm
(noun) a short pithy instructive saying
Source: WordNet® 3.1
aphorism (plural aphorisms)
An original, laconic phrase conveying some principle or concept of thought.
• See also saying
aphorism (third-person singular simple present aphorisms, present participle aphorisming, simple past and past participle aphorismed)
To speak or write aphorisms.
Source: Wiktionary
Aph"o*rism, n. Etym: [F. aphorisme, fr. Gr. Horizon.]
Definition: A comprehensive maxim or principle expressed in a few words; a sharply defined sentence relating to abstract truth rather than to practical matters. The first aphorism of Hippocrates is, "Life is short, and the art is long." Fleming.
Syn.
– Axiom; maxim; adage; proverb; apothegm; saying; saw; truism; dictum. See Axiom.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
5 November 2024
(verb) draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time; “The speaker temporized in order to delay the vote”
The Boston Tea Party helped popularize coffee in America. The hefty tea tax imposed on the colonies in 1773 resulted in America switching from tea to coffee. In the lead up to the Revolutionary War, it became patriotic to sip java instead of tea. The Civil War made the drink more pervasive. Coffee helped energize tired troops, and drinking it became an expression of freedom.
