adage

American  

[ad-ij] / ˈæd ɪdʒ /

noun

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

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adage British  

/ ˈædɪdʒ /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• adagial adjective

Etymology

Origin of adage

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

Example Sentences

Why shares drop on seemingly good news is often explained by the adage “buy the rumor, sell the news.”

From Barron's

This fine actress, playing a hard-living but good woman, proves Stanislavski’s adage that there are no small parts, only small actors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Birds of a feather do not always flock together, despite the adage.

From Science Daily

“There’s a reason why Wall Street expects and welcomes a ‘Santa Claus Rally’—stocks can move up with little effort, calling to mind the adage ‘don’t short a dull tape,’ ” he wrote in an email.

From Barron's

To the committee members: We commend Valenzuela to you with that same adage — it is never too late to do the right thing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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