Word Choosey #1

by Bickmo on July 29th, 2009

aka DictionOh, which word to use? We often ask ourselves this question (or if you don’t, you just may qualify as one who ought to ask more than most. Malapropism, anyone?). As a conversationalist and writer, I have often used adage and aphorism interchangeably to describe a wise saying. May an anvil fall on my head! While fine for ordinary conversation, a writer ought to choose words with precision. However subtle, these words have distinct meanings.

I now post my research for the edification of all. Don’t let me catch you using these words incorrectly again, naughty people!


aph·o·rism –noun
a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” (Lord Acton).

ad·age -noun
a traditional saying expressing a common experience or observation; proverb

5 Responses to “Word Choosey #1”

  1. Kimberly Says:

    So, the difference as I understand it is that aphorisms are pithy and also, in some way, grand. Whereas adages are more folksy and common in nature? The profound truth versus the cliche?

    p.s. http://www.wordie.org makes me happy.

  2. Bickmo Says:

    An adage is a saying that has been incorporated into a culture’s lexicon, i.e. a proverb. An aphorism lacks the weight of tradition. An aphorism must be pithy and grand, as you say. An adage may or may not be pithy and grand, but is part of a cultural experience.

    So…an adage can also be an aphorism if it meets the pithy requirement, and an aphorism may also be an adage if it possesses the traditional component. Think Venn diagram!

  3. Deborah Talmadge Says:

    So an aphorism is true but an adage isn’t necessarily so?

    Pop on over to my blog where you’ve won a “major award”

  4. Bickmo Says:

    Is it for the use of “Belgium” in a serious screenplay?

    It’s not truth, but tradition. See my comment above.

  5. ryan Says:

    don’t confuse these either!

    sceptic w/ septic
    tortuous w/ torturous
    complacent w/ complaisant
    biannual w/ biennial
    lord of the rings w/ a good book

    :)

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