Meaning & use
proverbs
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“proverbs” is a form of “proverb”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
Short, familiar sayings that express advice or a general truth about life, handed down by tradition.
Grammar: Plural of proverb: old proverbs, popular proverbs.
Patterns
- proverbs about something
- an old proverb says
Many proverbs warn us not to judge people by appearances.
My grandfather taught me proverbs from his village.
Every language has proverbs about patience.
Word forms
| singular | proverb |
|---|
Common combinations
- old proverbs
- Old proverbs often contain simple wisdom.
- popular proverbs
- Popular proverbs sometimes contradict each other.
- proverbs about love
- There are countless proverbs about love.
- quote proverbs
- He likes to quote proverbs during meetings.
- traditional proverbs
- The book collects traditional proverbs from Africa.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sayings
- Sayings is broader and includes any remembered phrase, while proverbs are traditional and give advice or truth.
- adages
- Adages is a more formal word for long-established sayings, similar to proverbs but less common.
- maxims
- Maxims are rules of conduct that may come from one writer, while proverbs belong to popular tradition.
- idioms
- Idioms are phrases whose meaning is not literal, but they do not always give advice like proverbs.
Word family
- proverb noun
- one traditional saying
- proverbial adjective
- well known as a saying or widely talked about
- proverbially adverb
- in a way that is commonly said
Commonly confused: proverbs or idioms? proverbs or slogans?
proverbs vs idioms
An idiom has a figurative meaning but is not necessarily advice; a proverb is a complete saying that states a lesson.
proverbs vs slogans
A slogan is a catchy phrase used in advertising or politics, while a proverb is a traditional saying.
Practice
'A stitch in time saves nine' is an example of one of the ____ in English.
Choose one answer.
It is a traditional saying with advice, so it is a proverb. The other options are grammar terms.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “proverbs”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.