| 释义 |
▪ I. aphorism|ˈæfərɪz(ə)m|
Also 6 afforysme, 6–7 aphorisme, 7 apor-.
[a. Fr. aphorisme, afforisme, ad. med.L. aphorism-us, aforismus, a. Gr. ἀϕορισµός a distinction, a definition, f. ἀϕορίζ-ειν; see aphorize. From the ‘Aphorisms of Hippocrates,’ transferred to other sententious statements of the principles of physical science, and at length to statements of principles generally.]
1. A ‘definition’ or concise statement of a principle in any science.
1528Paynell Salerne Regim. B iv b, Galen saythe in the glose of this aphorisme, qui crescunt, etc. 1541R. Copland Guydon's Quest. Cyrurg., Of this vtylyte Arnolde of vylle maketh an afforysme. 1605Bacon Adv. Learn. i. v, Knowledge, while..in aphorisms and observations..is in growth. 1664Power Exp. Philos. iii. 190 The old and uncomfortable Aphorism of our Hippocrates. 1879De Quatrefages' Hum. Spec. 50 The aphorism..which was formulated by Linnæus in regard to plants.
2. Any principle or precept expressed in few words; a short pithy sentence containing a truth of general import; a maxim.
c1590Marlowe Faustus i. 19 Is not thy common talk sound aphorisms? 1642Howell For. Trav. (Arb.) 37 'Tis an old Aphorisme Oderunt omnes quem metuunt. 1687H. More App. Antidote (1712) 191 That sensible Aphorism of Solomon, Better is a living Dog than a dead Lion. 1750Johnson Rambl. No. 68 ⁋10 Oppression, according to Harrington's aphorism, will be felt by those that cannot see it. 1880Goldw. Smith in Atl. Month. No. 268. 201 The suggestive aphorism, ‘The want of belief is a defect that ought to be concealed when it cannot be overcome.’
†3. abstractly, The essence or pith. Obs. rare.
1594J. King Jonah (1864) 184 The aphorism and juice of the whole song.
▪ II. † ˈaphorism, v. Obs. rare—1.
[f. prec. n.]
To utter as an aphorism.
1627E. F. Hist. Edw. II (1680) 62 These passages discours'd and Aphorism'd at large in the House. |