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
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, adjectiveWords nearby proverb
provenience,
proventil,
proventriculus,
provençal,
provençale,
proverb,
proverbial,
proverbs,
provertebra,
provide,
provided
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.”)