apophthegm

Example Sentences

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Between a maxim, an aphorism, and an apophthegm, and in a more obvious degree, between these and an adage and a proverb, the etymologist and the lexicographer may easily find a distinction.

From Maxims and Reflections by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von

Men defended themselves in a short brilliant expression; and if that did not protect them, they died with a lively apophthegm, and their last words were wit.

From A Dialogue Concerning Oratory, Or The Causes Of Corrupt Eloquence The Works Of Cornelius Tacitus, Volume 8 (of 8); With An Essay On His Life And Genius, Notes, Supplements by Tacitus, Cornelius

Another perfect thing from this diverting piece, followed also by Homeric cachinnations, was the mock-serious apophthegm: "If a cloud is going to support a lady of substantial proportions, you must make it fairly solid."

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 152, May 23, 1917 by Various

In this passage the apophthegm is incorrectly attributed to Archidamus the Third, although the Peloponnesian war is mentioned in connexion with it.782.Thuc.

From The History and Antiquities of the Doric Race, Vol. 1 of 2 by Müller, Karl Otfried

Faint heart never won fair lady, he said to himself, in some answering apophthegm.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 14, No. 84, October, 1864 by Various