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apothegm

noun
ap·​o·​thegm | \ ˈa-pə-ˌthem How to pronounce apothegm (audio) \

Definition of apothegm

: a short, pithy, and instructive saying or formulation : aphorism
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Other Words from apothegm

apothegmatic \ ˌa-​pə-​theg-​ˈma-​tik How to pronounce apothegmatic (audio) \ adjective

Examples of apothegm in a Sentence

her mother endlessly repeated the apothegm “cleanliness is next to godliness”

Recent Examples on the Web

 As with every Together Live speaker, each apothegm is met with exuberant applause. — Zoë Ghertner, Vogue, "Reese Witherspoon: Activist, Advocate, Hollywood’s Moral Compass," 10 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apothegm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of apothegm

1548, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for apothegm

Greek apophthegmat-, apophthegma, from apophthengesthai to speak out, from apo- + phthengesthai to utter

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More from Merriam-Webster on apothegm

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with apothegm

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for apothegm

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