adage

[ad-ij]

noun

1. a traditional saying expressing a common experience or observation; proverb.

adage

/ ˈædɪdʒ /

noun

1. a traditional saying that is accepted by many as true or partially true; proverb

Other Word Forms

• adagial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adage¹

1540–50; < French < Latin adagium, equivalent to ad- ad- + ag- (stem of āio I say) + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of adage¹

C16: via Old French from Latin adagium; related to āio I say

Example Sentences

"To tailor an old adage: if you try to annoy nobody you don't excite anybody," is how he puts it.

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“But the old adage — iron sharpens iron. I do think we’re better for the adversity ... I’m excited for what’s to come.”

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There's an old adage in American politics that says people "vote with their pocketbooks" - and turn against politicians if they appear to harm their finances.

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A winning mentality attuned to the old adage of another managerial great, Brian Clough's "it only takes a second to score a goal".

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The all-purpose adage offering optimism — and sometimes pessimism — to those confronting a crisis head-on is: “This too shall pass.”

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Related Words

• aphorism 
• axiom 
• dictum 
• maxim 
• motto 
• precept