apothegm

An apothegm is a terse, instructive saying or maxim: a short, pointed remark that states a general truth or principle. In practice, apothegms are designed to be easily remembered and quotable. The term is often treated as a variant of apophthegm and is closely related to aphorism, though some usage favors a more compressed, epigrammatic form.

Originates from Greek apophthegmē (apophthēgma), meaning something clearly spoken, via Latin and English. In English, the form apothegm emerged in the early modern period and appears in dictionaries from the 16th century onward.

Apothegms appear in philosophy, rhetoric, and literature as tools to convey principles succinctly. They may be moral, practical, or humorous, and are prized for their brevity and force. They are often contrasted with aphorisms, which may be broader in scope, and with epigrams, which emphasize wit and a twist. Some writers fused both traits and are described as authors of apothegms.

Classic examples include Know thyself and Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Less is more exemplifies the modern condensation of a principle into a compact form. In scholarly usage, apothegms are collected in anthologies and used to illustrate rhetorical or ethical points.