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Definition of proverb - 9 dictionary results
pro-verb
[proh-vurb] 
–noun Grammar.
| a word that can substitute for a verb or verb phrase, as do in They never attend board meetings, but we do regularly. |
prov⋅erb
[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. |
| 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)
| 5. | to utter in the form of a proverb. |
| 6. | to make (something) the subject of a proverb. |
| 7. | to make a byword of. |
Origin:
1275–1325; ME proverbe < MF < L prōverbium adage, equiv. to prō- pro- 1 + verb(um) word + -ium -ium
1275–1325; ME proverbe < MF < L prōverbium adage, equiv. to prō- pro- 1 + verb(um) word + -ium -ium
Related forms:
prov⋅erb⋅like, adjective
Synonyms:
1. aphorism, apothegm. 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, esp. one that serves as a rule of conduct or a precept: “It is wise to risk no more than one can afford to lose.”
1. aphorism, apothegm. 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, esp. one that serves as a rule of conduct or a precept: “It is wise to risk no more than one can afford to lose.”
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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|
Link To proverb
| prov·erb (prŏv'ûrb') n.
[Middle English proverbe, from Old French, from Latin prōverbium : prō-, forth; see pro-1 + verbum, word; see wer-5 in Indo-European roots.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Proverb
Prov"erb\, n. [OE. proverbe, F. proverbe, from L. proverbium; pro before, for + verbum a word. See Verb.]1. An old and common saying; a phrase which is often repeated; especially, a sentence which briefly and forcibly expresses some practical truth, or the result of experience and observation; a maxim; a saw; an adage. --Chaucer. Bacon. 2. A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. --John xvi. 29. 3. A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference. Thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a by word, among all nations. --Deut. xxviii. 37. 4. A drama exemplifying a proverb. Book of Proverbs, a canonical book of the Old Testament, containing a great variety of wise maxims. Syn: Maxim; aphorism; apothegm; adage; saw.Proverb
Prov"erb\, v. t. 1. To name in, or as, a proverb. [R.] Am I not sung and proverbed for a fool ? --Milton. 2. To provide with a proverb. [R.] I am proverbed with a grandsire phrase. --Shak.Proverb
Prov"erb\, v. i. To write or utter proverbs. [R.]
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : proverb
Spanish:
proverbio,
German:
das Sprichwort,
Japanese:
ことわざ
proverb
A brief, memorable saying that expresses a truth or belief, such as “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” (See examples under “Proverbs.”)
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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proverb
1303, in boke of Prouerbyys, the O.T. book, from O.Fr. proverbe (12c.), from L. proverbium "a common saying," lit. "words put forward," from pro- "forth" + verbum "word" (see verb). Used generally from c.1374. Proverbial first recorded c.1432.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Proverb
a trite maxim; a similitude; a parable. The Hebrew word thus rendered (mashal) has a wide signification. It comes from a root meaning "to be like," "parable." Rendered "proverb" in Isa. 14:4; Hab. 2:6; "dark saying" in Ps. 49:4, Num. 12:8. Ahab's defiant words in answer to the insolent demands of Benhadad, "Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off," is a well known instance of a proverbial saying (1 Kings 20:11).
Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
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