wise saying; apt remark
A somewhat formal or literary term for a maxim, aphorism, or pithy statement that captures a profound truth.
His speech contained several memorable wise sayings.
This book is full of apt remarks about life.
From 至 (ultimate, most) and 言 (word, saying), literally 'ultimate words'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the compound is used to denote a saying of profound wisdom.