proverb
a short popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses effectively some commonplace truth or useful thought; adage; saw.
a wise saying or precept; a didactic sentence.
a person or thing that is commonly regarded as an embodiment or representation of some quality; byword.
Bible. a profound saying, maxim, or oracular utterance requiring interpretation.
to utter in the form of a proverb.
to make (something) the subject of a proverb.
to make a byword of.
Origin of proverb
1synonym study For proverb
Other words for proverb
Other words from proverb
- prov·erb·like, adjective
Words that may be confused with proverb
Other definitions for pro-verb (2 of 2)
a word that can substitute for a verb or verb phrase, as do in They never attend board meetings, but we do regularly.
Origin of pro-verb
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use proverb in a sentence
She hilariously explains Chinese proverbs when someone sneezes off-camera during interviews.
Tennis Star Li Na Says Goodbye to the Court…and Puts the Sport’s Rise in Asia in Question | Nicholas McCarvel | September 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThis makes proverbs not only a clever form of verbal art, but also a potent tool of verbal combat!
Beauty and Subversion in the Secret Poems of Afghan Women | Daniel Bosch | April 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTWhen you think of proverbs, you picture expressions of ancient wisdom.
He reminded the audience of the words of Proverbs: As iron sharpeneth iron, so a friend sharpens the mind of his friend.
Scripture is real clear in Proverbs 15:1, ‘A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.’
The GOP Sounds Un-Christian in Condemning Obama’s Quran-Burning Apology | Kirsten Powers | February 28, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
He will search out the hidden meanings of proverbs, and will be conversant in the secrets of parables.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | VariousBoth of these readings appeal to the Solomonic portrait of the virtuous woman, in Proverbs xxxi.
Solomon and Solomonic Literature | Moncure Daniel ConwayIn early English literature there was at one time a tendency to ascribe to Solomon various proverbs not in the Bible.
Solomon and Solomonic Literature | Moncure Daniel ConwayHe was wise enough to understand the proverbs, “Lʼunion fait la force,” and “A house divided against itself shall surely fall.”
The Philippine Islands | John ForemanEach of these sticks is inscribed with a certain number, corresponding with a sentence in a book of proverbs.
A Woman's Journey Round the World | Ida Pfeiffer
British Dictionary definitions for proverb
/ (ˈprɒvɜːb) /
a short, memorable, and often highly condensed saying embodying, esp with bold imagery, some commonplace fact or experience
a person or thing exemplary in respect of a characteristic: Antarctica is a proverb for extreme cold
ecclesiast a wise saying or admonition providing guidance
to utter or describe (something) in the form of a proverb
to make (something) a proverb
Origin of proverb
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for 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 New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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