apophthegm

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That famous apophthegm leads us nearer to the saving truth.

From Nature Mysticism by Mercer, John Edward

La Rochefoucauld, expressing a commonplace with the penetrative terseness that made him a master of the apophthegm, pronounced it "not to be enough to have great qualities: a man must have the economy of them."

From Diderot and the Encyclopædists (Vol 1 of 2) by Morley, John

But after nigh six months of palpitating negotiations with the adorable Mrs. Glamorys, the poet, in a moment of dejection, penned the prose apophthegm, "It is of no use trying to change a changeable person."

From The Grey Wig: Stories and Novelettes by Zangwill, Israel

The lump of earth, being taken somewhat by surprise, was not prepared with an apophthegm, and said nothing.

From Cobwebs from an Empty Skull by Bierce, Ambrose

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