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

The old adage in baseball is that hitting can be contagious.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A common adage about the breadth of economic gains during a bull market is that “a rising tide lifts all boats.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

His inspiration comes from Yoda, whose adage “Do or do not. There is no try” serves as a constant signpost.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If the old British adage holds true that a week is a long time in politics, then Zelensky appears to have set a new record.

Read more on BBC

The old adage to “measure twice, cut once” is especially relevant for multiyear labor contracts that can cover hundreds of bargaining provisions.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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