proverb

American  

[prov-erb] / ˈprɒv ərb /

noun

1. a short popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses effectively some commonplace truth or useful thought; adage; saw.

   Synonyms:

   apothegm , aphorism

2. a wise saying or precept; a didactic sentence.

3. a person or thing that is commonly regarded as an embodiment or representation of some quality; byword.

4. Bible.  a profound saying, maxim, or oracular utterance requiring interpretation.

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verb (used with object)

1. to utter in the form of a proverb.

2. to make (something) the subject of a proverb.

3. to make a byword of.

proverb British  

/ ˈprɒvɜːb /

noun

1. a short, memorable, and often highly condensed saying embodying, esp with bold imagery, some commonplace fact or experience

2. a person or thing exemplary in respect of a characteristic

   Antarctica is a proverb for extreme cold

3. ecclesiast a wise saying or admonition providing guidance

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verb

1. to utter or describe (something) in the form of a proverb

2. to make (something) a proverb

proverb Cultural  

1. A brief, memorable saying that expresses a truth or belief, such as “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” (See examples under “Proverbs.”)

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Related Words

Proverb, maxim are terms for short, pithy sayings. A proverb is such a saying popularly known and repeated, usually expressing simply and concretely, though often metaphorically, a truth based on common sense or the practical experience of humankind: “A stitch in time saves nine.” A maxim is a brief statement of a general and practical truth, especially one that serves as a rule of conduct or a precept: “It is wise to risk no more than one can afford to lose.”

Other Word Forms

• proverblike adjective

Etymology

Origin of proverb

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English proverbe, from Middle French, from Latin prōverbium “adage,” equivalent to prō- pro- ¹ + verb(um) word + -ium -ium

Example Sentences

Isaiah Berlin, drawing on an ancient Greek proverb, famously observed that Leo Tolstoy was a foxlike writer who knew many things but longed to be someone who, like the hedgehog, knew one big thing.

From The Wall Street Journal

"There's an African proverb that says: 'When the elephants fight, it's the grass that suffers,'" the employee said.

From Barron's

The website led with what it called a proverb: “If you call one wolf, you invite the pack.”

From Los Angeles Times

Yet there is also the Chinese proverb ‘the beginning of all things is difficult.’

From Barron's

"There's a Korean proverb that says, 'after the rain, the ground hardens'."

From BBC

Related Words

• adage
• aphorism
• axiom
• dictum
• epigram
• maxim
• witticism