Adages: meaning, definitions and examples

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adages

 

[ ˈædɪdʒɪz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

wise sayings

Adages are short, pithy sayings that express a general truth or piece of advice. They are often passed down through generations and reflect the wisdom of experience.

Synonyms

aphorism, maxim, proverb.

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Word Description / Examples
adages

This word is suitable when referring to traditional sayings that have been passed down through generations, often reflecting common wisdom or cultural values.

  • As the old adage goes, 'Actions speak louder than words
  • '
proverb

Proverbs are short, well-known sayings that express a common truth or piece of advice. They are frequently used in everyday conversations to share wisdom or moral guidance.

  • There's a proverb that says, 'The early bird catches the worm
  • '
aphorism

Aphorisms are concise and cleverly phrased statements that express a general truth or observation. They're often used in philosophical or literary contexts.

  • One of my favorite aphorisms is, 'The unexamined life is not worth living
  • '
maxim

Maxims are succinct statements that often offer advice or convey a principle. They are particularly useful in instructional or moralizing contexts.

  • Remember the maxim, 'Honesty is the best policy
  • '

Examples of usage

  • "A penny saved is a penny earned" is a popular adage about the importance of saving money.
  • "Actions speak louder than words" is another well-known adage that emphasizes the importance of deeds over mere promises.

Translations

Translations of the word "adages" in other languages:

🇵🇹 provérbios

🇮🇳 कहावतें

🇩🇪 Sprüche

🇮🇩 peribahasa

🇺🇦 прислів'я

🇵🇱 przysłowia

🇯🇵 格言

🇫🇷 adages

🇪🇸 adages

🇹🇷 atasözleri

🇰🇷 속담

🇸🇦 أمثال

🇨🇿 přísloví

🇸🇰 príslovia

🇨🇳 格言

🇸🇮 pregovori

🇮🇸 málsögur

🇰🇿 мәтелдер

🇬🇪 გადმოცემები

🇦🇿 atalar sözü

🇲🇽 adages

Etymology

The word 'adage' originated from the Old French word 'adagium,' meaning a proverb or saying. Over time, it entered the English language in the late 14th century with the same meaning. Adages have been a part of human communication for centuries, serving as concise and memorable expressions of wisdom and advice.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,074, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.