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.”)

Other Word Forms

• proverblike adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of proverb¹

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

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.”

Example Sentences

Prof Dutt sums up what is happening in the words of an old proverb: "Bow to the ruler, and then go your own way."

From BBC

He cites a South African proverb: “If the good doctor can’t cure you, find the less good doctor.”

From Los Angeles Times

You may be familiar with the weather proverb that March "comes in like a lion, out like a lamb".

From BBC

On a lace vintage doily, Simpson embroidered the Japanese proverb “Fall seven times, stand up eight,” a fitting metaphor for her metamorphosis as an artist.

From Los Angeles Times

This is not uncommon in fundamentalist Christian households, where the biblical proverb about "sparing the rod" is regularly wielded to justify corporal punishment.

From Salon

Related Words

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