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Sayings Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฌ
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sayings

[หˆseษชษชล‹z ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in everyday language

Short, pithy expressions that convey a general truth or insight.

Synonyms

aphorisms, maxims, proverbs.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sayings

General use for short, commonly known expressions that convey wisdom or truths. They are often informal.

  • My grandmother always had the best sayings, like 'Better late than never.'
  • He loves to start his speeches with old sayings that everyone can relate to.
proverbs

Traditional sayings that express common-sense wisdom or truth, often passed down through generations. Frequently used in cultural or moral contexts.

  • A well-known Chinese proverb states, 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.'
  • She quoted several African proverbs to illustrate her points about community and unity.
aphorisms

Brief, cleverly worded statements that express a deep truth or insight. Often used in literary or philosophical contexts.

  • One of my favorite aphorisms from Oscar Wilde is, 'Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.'
  • The book is filled with sharp aphorisms that really make you think about life.
maxims

Fundamental principles or rules of conduct. Used in more formal or philosophical discussions.

  • The maxim 'Actions speak louder than words' is essential for understanding true character.
  • In his speech, he outlined several maxims that should guide our daily behavior.

Examples of usage

  • "Actions speak louder than words."
  • "The early bird catches the worm."
  • "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."
Context #2 | Noun

informal speech

Phrases or expressions that are commonly used and well-known.

Synonyms

expressions, idioms, phrases.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sayings

Used to refer to short, commonly known sentences or maxims that express a general truth or advice. Often traditional and passed down through generations.

  • As the saying goes, 'Actions speak louder than words.'
  • There are many old sayings that still hold true today.
phrases

Used to describe a small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, but without necessitating a full sentence structure. Can be part of expressions, idioms, or sayings.

  • The phrase "better late than never" suggests it's better to do something late than not at all.
  • She used the phrase 'in the blink of an eye' to describe how quickly things changed.
expressions

Used to describe specific ways of speaking or forms of words to convey particular meanings. Can be formal, informal, or idiomatic.

  • She has a puzzled expression on her face.
  • "Break the ice" is a common expression used to describe making people feel more comfortable.
  • His expressions often include a lot of slang.
idioms

Used for phrases or expressions with a meaning that is not obvious from the individual words. Often culturally or regionally specific and can be confusing for non-native speakers.

  • "It's raining cats and dogs" is an idiom meaning it's raining very heavily.
  • Learning idioms can help you sound more like a native speaker.

Examples of usage

  • "Keep your eyes peeled."
  • "Bite the bullet."
  • "Hit the nail on the head."

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many famous writers often use sayings in their works to convey deep messages quickly.
  • Sayings can be found in poetry and proverbs, enriching literary expressions and teachings.
  • Some sayings are attributed to specific authors, while others are part of folk wisdom passed orally through generations.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that sayings can influence our thinking patterns and decision-making processes.
  • Sayings often simplify complex ideas, making them easier to understand and remember.
  • The use of sayings can foster social connections, as they resonate with shared experiences and values.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have their own unique sayings that reflect their values, history, and societal norms.
  • Sayings can serve as a bonding tool among generations, helping to pass down cultural wisdom.
  • In many communities, specific sayings are tied to local customs and celebratory events, enriching cultural identity.

Pop Culture

  • Sayings often make their way into popular songs and movies, becoming part of mainstream language.
  • Memes often feature catchy sayings that spread rapidly across social media, showcasing modern cultural trends.
  • Some sayings, like 'break a leg' in theater, have become iconic within specific industries.

Origin of 'sayings'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'saying' comes from the Old English 'sรฆgan', which means 'to say or tell'.
  • Sayings often evolve over time, with meanings shifting as cultures change.
  • In different languages, there are unique sayings that carry the same message, showing similar wisdom across cultures.

The term 'sayings' has been in use since the late 16th century, derived from the verb 'say' with the suffix '-ing'. Sayings have been an integral part of human communication and culture, passed down through generations to impart wisdom, humor, or advice.

See also: naysayer, say, saying, unsaid.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,944, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.