Aphorism vs. Epigram — What's the Difference?

An aphorism (from Greek ἀφορισμός: aphorismos, denoting 'delimitation', 'distinction', and 'definition') is a concise, terse, laconic, or memorable expression of a general truth or principle. They are often handed down by tradition from generation to generation.

An epigram is a brief, interesting, memorable, and sometimes surprising or satirical statement. The word is derived from the Greek ἐπίγραμμα epigramma "inscription" from ἐπιγράφειν epigraphein "to write on, to inscribe", and the literary device has been employed for over two millennia.

A tersely phrased statement of a truth or opinion; an adage.

A short, witty poem expressing a single thought or observation.

A brief statement of a scientific principle.

A concise, clever, often paradoxical statement.

A concise, terse, laconic, or memorable expression of a general truth or principle.

Epigrammatic discourse or expression.

To speak or write aphorisms.

(obsolete) An inscription in stone.

A comprehensive maxim or principle expressed in a few words; a sharply defined sentence relating to abstract truth rather than to practical matters.

A brief but witty saying.

A short pithy instructive saying

A short, witty or pithy poem.

A short poem treating concisely and pointedly of a single thought or event. The modern epigram is so contrived as to surprise the reader with a witticism or ingenious turn of thought, and is often satirical in character.

An effusion of wit; a bright thought tersely and sharply expressed, whether in verse or prose.

The style of the epigram.

A witty saying