Apothegm

Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Apothegm?

noun
A concise, pithy saying; an aphorism.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /ˈæp.ə.θɛm/
UK pronunciation: /ˈæp.ə.θɛm/
Slow pronunciation: AP-uh-them

Meaning Explained

Apothegm (also spelled apophthegm) is wisdom compressed — a portable truth.

Why This Word?

Chosen to celebrate brevity with bite.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • He memorized apothegms to open speeches.
  • Her article closes with a neat apothegm.
  • The coach’s apothegm became the team’s motto.

Word Origins

Greek apophthegma “terse saying”

Variant spellings coexist; both are correct.

First appearance in English: late 16th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Noun: aphorism

    Her aphorism went viral.

  • Noun: maxim

    A maxim guided the code of conduct.

  • Noun: epigram

    The epigram stung and sparkled.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: apotegma
  • French: apophtegme
  • German: Apophthegma / geflügeltes Wort
  • Italian: apotegma
  • Portuguese: apoftegma

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Aphorism

General pithy truth; apothegm can be sharper.

Maxim

Rule for conduct; apothegm is broader.

Epigram

Witty and pointed; apothegm is proverb-like.

Fun Facts

  • “Aphorism,” “maxim,” and “apothegm” overlap but differ in tone and use.
  • The longer spelling “apophthegm” preserves Greek consonant clusters.

Cultural Usage

  • Stoic apothegms circulate widely online.
  • Spartan apothegms exemplify laconic wit.

Common Mistakes

Not “epithet”; that’s a descriptive label, often insulting.

Micro Story

“What is not started today is never finished tomorrow” — an apothegm attributed to Goethe.