Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

sententia

noun
/sɛnˈtɛnʃə/
Definition
A phrase or saying; a principle or maxim.
Examples
  • “To err is human; to forgive, divine” is a classic example of a sententia.
  • Many philosophical texts are rich with sententiae that encapsulate complex ideas in simple terms.
Meaning
In literary contexts, ‘sententia’ refers to a concise expression of a general truth or principle, often used to convey wisdom or insight.
Synonyms
  • Maxim
  • Adage
  • Proverb
  • aphorism