How to pronounce aphorism
Say it like AF-uh-riz-um. Aphorism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce aphorism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AF
- uh
- riz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Aphorism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rizGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of aphorism
American and British speakers say aphorism in essentially the same way: /ˈæfəˌrɪzəm/ in the US and /ˈæfərɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: AF-uh-rih-zum.
What does aphorism mean?
- A concise expression of a principle in an area of knowledge; an axiom, a precept.
- A concise or pithy, and memorable, expression of a general truth; a maxim, a saying.
- To speak or write one or more aphorisms (noun sense 2).
Where does aphorism come from?
The verb is derived from the noun.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying aphorism
How do you pronounce aphorism?
Say AF-uh-riz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈæfəˌrɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈæfərɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in aphorism?
Aphorism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AF). Broken into parts: AF · uh · riz · um.
Do Americans and Brits say aphorism the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈæfəˌrɪzəm/ and the British form is /ˈæfərɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.