apothegm
UK: ˈæp.ə.θem | US: ˈæp.ə.θem
n. a concise, pointed saying; a pithy maxim or aphorism.
Derived from Greek apophthegma ("terse saying"), via Late Latin apothegma. The word reflects the Greek rhetorical tradition of distilling wisdom into brief, memorable phrases. The prefix apo- ("away") suggests a saying "set apart" for emphasis, while thegm ties to oral tradition. Over time, the spelling simplified to "apothegm" in English, retaining its core meaning of a sharp, instructive remark.
The philosopher’s apothegm, "Know thyself," remains timeless.
She opened her speech with a witty apothegm about humility.
His writings are filled with apothegms that challenge conventional thinking.
The old monk shared an apothegm: "Silence is the fence around wisdom."
Modern advertising often relies on apothegms to capture attention.