apothegm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2 Level)Formal, Literary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “apothegm” mean?
A short, pithy, instructive saying.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, pithy, instructive saying; a maxim.
A terse remark or aphorism that expresses a general truth or principle, often with wit or pointed observation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a difference in preferred spelling. 'Apothegm' is more common in American English; 'apophthegm' is the traditional British spelling, though 'apothegm' is understood.
Connotations
Both carry the same formal, somewhat archaic or scholarly connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties; slightly higher occurrence in historical or philosophical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “apothegm” in a Sentence
The philosopher was known for his apothegms.He concluded his speech with a familiar apothegm.The book is filled with ancient apothegms.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apothegm” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- apothegmatically
- apophthegmatically
American English
- apothegmatically
adjective
British English
- apothegmatic
- apophthegmatic
American English
- apothegmatic
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in leadership or strategy discussions: 'The CEO's apothegm, "First, do no harm to the brand," guided all decisions.'
Academic
Found in philosophy, rhetoric, classical studies, and literature essays to describe concise philosophical sayings.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not applicable in scientific/technical contexts outside of specific philological analysis.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apothegm”
- Mispronouncing as /əˈpɒθ.ədʒem/.
- Confusing with 'apothecary'.
- Using in informal contexts where 'saying' or 'quote' would be appropriate.
- Misspelling as 'apothgm' or 'apothem'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms. 'Apothegm' often implies a sharper, more pointed or surprising quality, while 'aphorism' is a broader term for any concise statement of principle. 'Apothegm' is also much rarer and more literary.
It is pronounced AP-uh-them, with the 'g' being silent. The stress is on the first syllable.
No, it is a very low-frequency, formal word used primarily in academic, literary, or rhetorical contexts. In everyday language, people use 'saying', 'maxim', or 'aphorism'.
The traditional British spelling is 'apophthegm' (pronounced AP-uh-them or uh-POP-thuh-gem), though the American spelling 'apothegm' is increasingly understood and used.
A short, pithy, instructive saying.
Apothegm is usually formal, literary, academic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: APO (away) + THEGM (sounds like 'them'—a saying directed away to others). A short saying you pass on to them.
Conceptual Metaphor
WISDOM IS A DENSE OBJECT (compressed, weighty). LANGUAGE IS A CONTAINER (holds deep meaning in a small form).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST definition of an 'apothegm'?