proverb

[ prov-erb ]
/ ˈprɒv ərb /

noun

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.

verb (used with object)

Origin of proverb

1275–1325; Middle English proverbe < Middle French < Latin prōverbium adage, equivalent to prō- pro-1 + verb(um) word + -ium -ium

SYNONYMS FOR proverb

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, 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 WORDS FROM proverb

prov·erb·like, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH proverb

adage aphorism apothegm axiom maxim proverb

Definition for proverb (2 of 2)

pro-verb
[ proh-vurb ]
/ ˈproʊˌvɜrb /

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.

Origin of pro-verb

First recorded in 1905–10; by analogy with pronoun

Example sentences from the Web for proverb

British Dictionary definitions for proverb

proverb
/ (ˈprɒvɜːb) /

noun

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

verb (tr)

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

Word Origin for proverb

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

Cultural definitions for proverb

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.”)