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View synonyms for proverb

proverb

[ prov-erb ]

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.


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

/ 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


verb

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

proverb

  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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Other Words From

  • proverb·like adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of proverb1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of proverb1

C14: via Old French from Latin prōverbium, from verbum word

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Synonym Study

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.”

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Example Sentences

This work takes a page from President Ronald Reagan, who liked to repeat the Russian proverb “trust but verify.”

In the case of Kudo-kai case boss Nomura, the appropriate Japanese proverb appears to be: “The mouth is the gate of misfortune.”

The catch phrase, which Reagan borrowed from a Russian proverb, was “trust but verify.”

The Latin proverb “Times Change and We Change With Them” used to be memorized by generations of students of Latin.

The rich,” according to a Spanish proverb, “laugh carefully.

The variety of taste in snuff is accounted for by the proverb, "So many men to so many noses."

M. Mon here quotes a Latin proverb:—'Qui plus castigat, plus amore ligat.'

Behold every one that useth a common proverb, shall use this against thee, saying: As the mother was, so also is her daughter.

There is an obvious allusion in this line to the common proverb—'As fain as fowl of a fair morrow,' which is quoted in the Kn.

This is only another form of a proverb which also occurs as 'Well fights he who well flies.'

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